Skyfire Avenue

by Stayrr

Skyfire Avenue is a street that is 2048 meters long. There are 168 stores here, and each of the store owners is an extremely powerful adept. The Avenue does not permit any vehicles or any robots to pass through it, much less mecha. Even the patrolling police must move about on foot. This is because this is a street for pedestrians, a lane for nobles, hidden away within this high te

4. 123

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Chapter 123: Have Someone Special

On the surface, Lan Jue didn't look any different from any other man. His powers of thunder and lightning were well hidden, constrained. They remained inside, as Hua Li's mastery of water penetrated Lan Jue to help him heal.

An hour later, Hua Li allowed his powers to dissipate. He let out a long breath, the sound strange, like the sound of crashing waves. The sound was not loud, but it washed through the room to the point where if one closed their eyes, they'd swear they were at the seaside.

"Not bad, you're recovering quickly. At this speed, by the time you go off to that teacher's retreat, you'll be about thirty or forty percent back to normal. You should be able to handle anything that comes your way." Hua Li shuffled off the bed.

Lan Jue followed suit, a small smile on his face. "These last three years I've undergone almost no training or cultivation. Luckily, at our levels Talent rises somewhat on it's own. Sitting idle for three years may not have been such a bad thing. Before, my improvement was so quick it didn't allow my foundation to settle as strong as it should have. This downtime might have solved that problem. Had I kept it up, my level would certainly be higher than it is now, but with an unstable foundation it'd sure to have an adverse affect."

"Pfft, stop giving yourself excuses. You've allowed my own discipline to catch up with yours. There's no good reason for that. You gotta hurry up and get back at it. Whatever the circumstances of next month's competition, we absolutely mustn't lose."

Lan Jue chuckled. "Of course we wont! By the way, how long until A-Cheng's supposed to get here? Have you heard from him?"

"Another few days," Hua Li said. "He's coming from Planet Luo, and it's not close. Not to mention the hostilities between the Northern and Eastern Alliances makes inter-alliance travel troublesome."

Lan Jue nodded. "So about when I come back from this teaching thing, he'll be here. Your lady friend?"

Hua Li's handsome face grew stern. "Lady friend my ass. Stop talking nonsense. Ours is a simple platonic relationship. Just a friendship!"

Lan Jue smirked at his friend's discomfort. "Alright, take it easy. You think I don't know what's going on with you? How long has Mo Xiao been following you around? At least a dozen years. In all that time there hasn't been spotted one other woman at your side. A beauty like that at your elbow and you say there's nothing going on. Who'd believe it. Not to mention the way she looks at you is the same way Hera used to look at me in the beginning. You think I'm making this up?"

Hua Li suddenly grew impetuous and whiny. "Alright, alright! Stop flapping your gums about it. You gotta promise me, A-Jue, not to go on like that in front of her. Not on your life! She's sensitive. I'm her best friend. She's like a sister, but really there's nothing else going on."

Lan Jue raised his brows in surprise. "Nothing, really? Mo Xing's been following you around ever since you were young. Always your agent. Now, CEO of Gobi Entertainment. Frankly speaking you're more a figurehead. All Gobi business is run through other people, helping you to get things done. She likes you that much, all that work, and this doesn't get your heart pumping at all?"

Hua Li's eyes slowly lifted as Lan Jue spoke, as though he'd struck a cord. Silence followed Lan Jue's question, but after a moment he spoke up. "A-Jue, later we aren't to speak about this, especially about Mo Xing. In my heart there's always been someone special, but it's not Mo Xing. I know what I owe her. But those emotions, that I can't give. Like you with Hera. Even though she's no longer here, your love hasn't faltered."

It was clear to Lan Jue that Hua Li's mood was serious, and sad. He dropped the topic. "Alright,we wont talk about it. Right, A-Li, tomorrow I'll be bringing Jin Tao back to the Avenue with me. We'll need to do some preparation, then it'll be time for him to take the Fantascia Genetica. I'll need you to help look after him while I'm gone."

Hua Li had recovered quickly from the funk their previous conversation had put him in. "Don't worry about it. The first stages of the decoction require strong nourishment and support from the body. In this I'm stronger than you are. It's the later, more critical stages where your power will be necessary. If the two of us are here and he still fails to protect himself from the decoction, it means he didn't have the willpower. Now, though, I'm tired. I'm off to bed."

With that declaration, he marched outside and flopped directly onto the sofa.

As he watched Hua Li leave in the wake of their exchange, he felt a little bewildered. A-Li had a love interest? It was the first he'd heard of it. With his appearance, and the world he lived in, what sort of woman must she be to have moved him so deeply? Who could be better than Mo Xiao?

ζ

Early Morning.

Lan Jue arrived again at the mountain, waiting to meet Zhou Qianlin and bring her to school. Again, he spied Richard's thin figure not far away. After throwing his fit yesterday, Hua Li hadn't accompanied him this time.

Richard hadn't arrived by verti-car today, and had chosen to wear a track suit in lieu of his formal attire from yesterday. In fact, he'd actually arrived in much the same fashion as Lan Jue – by bike. The old thing even looked similar to the professor's own. Such an antique, and in just a short time he'd managed to find one for himself!

"Hey cousin!" 1 Richard waved affably in his direction.

Lan Jue pulled up beside him, pointing at the bicycle. "What's this?"

Richard chortled. "Now that I know my lady likes bicycles, I've brought one with me to meet up with her. Eh, cousin… this is a family matter – you know, between husband and wife. I'd appreciate it if you don't get involved."

Lan Jue simply couldn't believe what he was wearing. This guy's dedication was inhuman! Shaking his head, he pushed his bicycle to the side, out of the way.

Richard watched him move aside, his brow scrunched.

A short time later Zhou Qianlin come walking down from the mountain top in her school uniform. There she saw Richard, in his track suit and pushing his bicycle, and was struck speechless. Still, she hardly missed her stride. She made her way without pause to Lan Jue's side and hopped up on to her familiar spot.

Lan Jue looked at Richard, shrugged, and pedaled away.

Richard would not be denied, and in good spirits he leapt on to his bike and gave chase. He caught up in short order. "Qianlin, you're probably thinking my bike isn't as new as you're cousin's, right? I've already sent people out to see if they can find one in better condition. When they do how about you take a spin on mine, what do you think? That way we don't always have to trouble your cousin! Or maybe you can sell me yours, cuz. Name a price and you'll have it."

Zhou Qianlin's sculpted brows grew taught. "Richard, I've already told you a dozen times. We're just not going to happen. Stop coming here. Alright? When you're like this you make me feel worse. I just can't be with you."

Richard looked shocked. "Qianlin, don't say such things in front of your cousin. If you want to talk, let's go home and talk about it."

Qianlin only shook her head, and refused to speak further.

Richard pedaled harder, pushing his bike forward until he was beside Lan Jue. He smiled as he spoke to him. "Hey, so how much you think for me to buy that bike from you?"

"Sorry, not for sale," Lan Jue responded.

Richard opened his mouth to speak further, but Lan Jue cut him off. "Look out." His left hand shot out to grab Richard's arm and yanked the younger man towards himself. Richard was slow to react, but quick enough to keep his feet. Luckily his center of gravity had adjusted enough to shuffle him to the side. His bike was not so lucky,and dashed against the large tree in his path. The bike rebounded and tumbled to the floor, it's front tire ruined.

Clearly the young man had failed to pay attention to the road, obsessed as he was with Qianlin and her 'cousin'. Lan Jue could only shake his head as he pedaled on. Richard stood beside his mangled bike, looking dejected.

"That one is stubborn. He sure is trying to do right by you, though." Lan Jue chuckled ruefully to himself.

Zhou Qianlin, however, replied in frosty tones. "If you're thinking of telling me to get together with him, you better keep your mouth shut. You are the last person with any right to speak about it."

Lan Jue smirked bitterly. Indeed, he was the one who ruined their chance at a family. What right did he have to say anything a all?

"I apologize."

Zhou Qianlin chose silence, and only nodded in response. Her eyes had grown noticeably more red at the edges.

Suddenly, much to Lan Jue's surprise, she wrapped her arms around his waste and buried her face in his back. The sudden motion almost caused him to lose control of the bike, and a jolt of shock ran through him. Before he could speak, he felt her thin figure trembling behind him. He didn't have the heart to break her grip.

He continued, quiet, unsure of what to say.

A few kilometers short of the campus, Zhou Qianlin finally separated her hands. She settled back on the back of the bike like nothing had happened. By the time they reached their normal corner, it was as though nothing had happened. Her face revealed no expression and, as she pulled her backpack unto her shoulders, she made for the university gate without speaking a word to her bodyguard.

For a moment Lan Jue watched her go. He gently patted his forehead, then began pushing his bike towards the school as well.

As he approached, the air whipped around him as a fire-red surface car raced passed, quick as the wind. It was quick, but nimble. Despite the numerous pedestrians dotting the street, the car was able to wave between them without causing any danger.

Vroosh! The car came to an abrupt stop before the gate as effortlessly as it had arrived. The doors spread open, and charming figure stepped out.

She had long, fiery red hair and legs that went on for ages – Tang Mi. Immediately following, a second car raced up and stopped. This one was white, and from within stepped forth a young woman with long purple hair.

She was just as pretty as the young woman she arrived with. Small features, pale skin, and purple hair. Full of vitality, and full of allure.

It could be said Zhou Qianlin was as beautiful as a spotless snow lotus. If that were true, Tang Mi was the fiery appeal of a rose, and this new girl was the impish violet.

1. You've got to be kidding.

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Chapter 124: Shui Zhongdie

"Hah! Little Butterfly, you lose again!" Tang Mi called teasingly towards the young woman from beside her car.

The violet-haired girl sniffed dismissively. "Only because I don't have a death wish. You know what they say; those with great courage usually have something very wrong with their head." She shook her own, causing her shimmering hair to flow like water as she walked towards the school entrance. Her car started and slowly made it's way in to the distance on autopilot.

Tang Mi chuckled anew. She bounded to her friend's side, opening her mouth to speak further, but then saw Lan Jue making for the campus entrance. Her eyes brightened, and she waved emphatically. "Professor Lan!"

Lan Jue stopped, and nodded politely to her.

She left 'Little Butterfly's' side to quickly make her way to the etiquette instructor. "Hey Professor. You've got class today, right? I'll definitely be there this afternoon to listen. What sort of things are we going to be learning about jewelry? Power gems?"

Lan Jue smiled at her enthusiasm. "Of course not. We'll only be discussing jewelry used to accessorize. I'm pretty sure the school has another class specifically dedicated to power gems. I'm just an electives teacher, how could I teach such things?"

"I don't believe that for a second," Tang Mi stated categorically. "As far as I've seen you're practically an encyclopedia."

Butterfly saw her friend stop suddenly, and race off to speak with the young man. Her curiosity was understandably piqued. There were no two closer friends in the school, and Butterfly knew all about Tang Mi – and her famous temper. Yet here she was speaking to the man. Who was he? A teacher? Lan-something? How did she not know of him?

As she considered the scene, she swept her eyes over the professor.

As ever, Lan Jue had arrived for class in a suit. However, in contrast to his last arrival, this suit was considerably more sedate. It was a grey two-piece, with a simple shirt inside. The material of the suit was fine, and was covered in a checkered pattern composed of light-blue thread.

Butterfly eventually arrived at Tang Mi's side. "Hey, aren't you going to introduce me to your boyfriend?"

Tang Mi only shot her an exasperated look. "Professor Lan, this is my classmate. We study in the same group. Her name is Shui Zhongdie. I call her Butterfly."

Lan Jue gave Shui Zhongdie a gentlemanly nod. "Hello," he greeted, "I'm Professor Lan. I'm an electives teacher here. You have a very interesting name."

Curiosity was clear in the young girl's eyes. "An electives teacher? What do you teach?"

"Mostly how to live a more cultured life. The class is Etiquette 101."

"Etiquette? Well, that sounds interesting." Shui Zhongdie shot him a pretty smile.

Many of the students coming and going from the campus entrance stopped to watch as two of the school's famed beauties stood speaking with him. For many of the young men, their envious eyes glared daggers at the handsome teacher.

"You two should go ahead and get to class. If you're interested come listen in on my lecture this afternoon." It was evident Lan Jue didn't want to spend too much time out in the open speaking to the two young women. In truth, he was still preoccupied with memories of his ride here, that trembling figure clutching him tightly from the back of his bicycle.

"You should come along with me to the class," Tang Mi said to her friend.

Shui Zhongdie emphatically nodded her head. "Sure! I'll go with you this afternoon and give it a listen."

Lan Jue bade the two girls farewell an left for the campus. Shui Zhongdie stood by Tang Mi's side and watched him go. "You're acting weird, is this professor really that good?"

Tang Mi's reply was almost a whisper. "Actually he's really interesting. He's really a man of high quality. Only…"

"Only what," Shui Zhongdie urged.

"Only he's not that strong in combat." Tang Mi quietly elaborated. "A few days ago that savage goddess dragged him off to the offices for some reason, without a fight. If only he were stronger, then he'd be absolutely perfect."

The purple-haired girl tittered. "Tang Mi, are we developing a little crush? Not an easy thing for a guy to catch your attention. I guess he's handsome. By the way, after a few days Gobi Entertainment's going to have a press conference for Poseidon's new album. There's supposed to be a concert after. Are you going?"

"Of course! I already have someone out buying tickets for me. Ten VIP tickets no less. And you can be my entourage."

"Woo! Long live Tang Mi! I love you!"

ζ

By the time Lan Jue arrived at the office, Jin Yan and Jin Tao were already waiting for him.

"Professor Lan," Jin Yan offered in her customary greeting. Jin Tao stood beside her, a zealous light in his eyes. To Lan Jue's surprise, the young man's trademark mohican was gone. Now at that was left was a buzz-cut head of black hair. Infinitely better put together than before.

"In a little while I'll be leaving Jin Tao in your care." Her words her soft, deliberate. A sense of worried pervaded where yesterday there was none. Her response yesterday had been one of impulse, excited at the prospect of an opportunity for her brother. But later, once she'd calmed and thought about Lan Jue's warnings, how could she not be a little anxious?

Lan Jue offered her a comforting smile. "You don't need to worry, Professor Jin. No matter the result, I'll take good care of him. I'll make sure he stays out of danger."

Jin Yan let out a small sigh of relief. "Alright then. Where are you planning to take him for his studies? Will we be able to come and see him?"

"Sis, I'm an adult. There's no need for you to come look in on me." Jin Tao stood at his sister's side, sounding impatient.

Lan Jue shot him a glance, and instantly the young man fell in to a complacent silence.

"Everything has it's conquerer," Jin Yan said, looking at her younger brother, "And it looks like you are Jin Tao's, Professor Lan."

Lan Jue offered her a smile. "At first, for a short time it's best if you don't come to visit him. He'll need to direct all his effort and attention to training. After a month should be fine to come by. By then I'm confident you'll see a significant change in Jin Tao. He'll be studying with me in Skyfire Avenue – he wont be leaving the planet."

"Alright. Thank you very much." Once more she offered her heartfelt thanks to the man who was to train her brother. But here, she stopped suddenly as though she'd just thought of something. She looked at him with confusion. "Professor, did you… did you say Skyfire Avenue?"

Lan Jue only smiled. It was clear to him the young woman was still apprehensive about the arrangement. Revealing where her younger brother would be was likely to have a positive effect.

The pretty woman chewed her red lip, looking at Lan Jue with a strange mixture of feelings on her face. "You live on the Avenue?"

He didn't reply. He didn't need to.

Jin Yan took a breath. When she spoke again, her voice was resolute. "Well Professor, he's all yours."

Lan Jue turned to his young pupil. "Come attend my class this afternoon. Afterwards you'll be leaving with me. Have you already put together everything you want to bring with you?"

"Everything's ready." Jin Tao remained as stoic and determined as moments before. He, after all, had no notion of Skyfire Avenue or what awaited him there.

"By the way," Jin Yan said, smiling towards Lan Jue, "we got the information from the head off yesterday. We'll be leaving in a couple days for our cooperation training on Taihua. I've already helped you sign your name."

In fact he'd already forgotten about it. Since stirring from his languid stupor there had been much on his proverbial plate. He'd already taken a month off after his first class, so skipping out on this was out of the question. But, at least Professor Yan was helpful.

"Thank you very much for that," he replied. "We'll be leaving from the school on that day right?"

Jin Yan nodded. "That's right! We should have somewhere around forty teachers leaving together, including all of the electives teachers. Even the mecha instructors. We're leaving early in the morning, eight o'clock at the big gates."

"Got it."

The afternoon came quickly. He made for his class, and as he pushed open the door to enter his heart skipped a beat. His class held even more students than the last time, the majority of them young women.

Jin Tao and Tang Xiao were also in attendance, seated squarely in the front row. However it was the three pretty faces at their side that surprised him. Beside Tang Xiao was the first, his vivacious sister Tang Mi. Beside her, Zhou Qianlin. The next seat down was home to the purple-haired girl he'd met earlier that day, Shui Zhongdie.

A host of earnest glances floated behind them as the young male students shuffled to get closer seats. Though it may have been a blow to his estimation of his class, clearly the amount of students present and the arrival of these three girls were inexorably tied.

Hua Li was spotted, once again in the corner he'd chosen from the last time. He'd elected to remove his hat, but the face mask remained in place to keep his identity secret.

Director Wu was not among the listeners, but Jin Yan was as promised. Beside her, in place of the director, was the dance teacher Wang Hongyuan. His beady eyes watched Lan Jue with interest.

With all the people gathered, the place was certainly bustling. Lan Jue swept his eyes over the gathering.

"Hey Professor!" Tang Mi waved at him, and Lan Jue smiled pleasantly back at her.

In the next instant, his and Qianlin's eyes met. It was only for a moment, not too long for fear the other students would notice. Afterwards Lan Jue felt the spirit-caller gem grow warm.

I didn't have any classes in the afternoon. Tang Mi dragged me here.

Lan Jue smirked, just enough for her to notice. Her cheeks reddened. The brief pang of embarrassment she felt could be seen in her eyes.

Compared to Zhou Qianlin next to her, Shui Zhongdie's expression was dauntless. Her eyes were the same color as her long hair, a royal purple that was gorgeous to behold. Of course Lan Jue knew well that no normal person was born with eyes like those. It must have had to do with her discipline.

The three great beauties of the school sat dead center, and it was as though a great ray of light was shinning down upon them. Many of the students who'd come this time were attending for the first time, so the class was appreciably more chaotic than normal. This was compounded by the lack of Director Wu's intimidating presence. It was certainly a test of Lan Jue's competency. And there in the back, with his shining eyes, Wang Hongyun watched and hoped he would fail.

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Chapter 125: Diamonds

Lan Jue did not stop to greet the gathered students. He made his way towards the podium, and placed the tray he'd brought with him atop it. Next, he fumbled through his coat until he pulled out a small cloth pouch, removing it's contents. He placed this upon the tray.

He spun around to face the board, and scrawled something across it's surface: Who wants to win a prize?

At first only the students in the front noticed, but word quickly spread. Attention turned to Lan Jue, and the volume decreased.

He continued to write: It's too noisy to hold the raffle.

Quiet washed over the room. Wang Hongyun was curious at the promise of a raffle. It was certainly a novel approach. It was quiet now, he thought, but these were college students – stickers and candy weren't going to cut it. If the prize wasn't good enough in their estimation, he was going to have a classroom of angry students on his hands.

The dance instructor had only been teaching a few years, but he knew more or less the mind of the elective student. He'd struggled with classroom control at the outset himself.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Lan Jue began. He stepped from behind the podium, and bowed to the gathered student body.

Jin Tao was the first to stand – a show of respect for his professor. Tang Xiao was half a second behind. But it wasn't until after the three beauties followed their example that the other students joined in. Soon nearly the whole class was on it's feet.

"Hello, Professor Lan." Jin Tao shouted the greeting towards the podium 1 The other students echoed his call.

Lan Jue motioned for them all to sit. "Please return to your seats."

The students did as instructed. Jin Yan lightly kicked the man at her side. "Why didn't you stand, Professor Wang? We're here listening to the class, so we're no different than students. More than that, we're his colleagues. If we don't show support for Professor Lan, how can we set a good example for the students?"

Wang Hongyun smirked, shrugging his shoulders. "I wasn't feeling it."

Jin Yan scowled, but said nothing further.

Lan Jue returned to the podium and pointed to the board. "That's right, a prize. No tricks. So take a guess, what do you think it will be? I'm pretty confident you wont be disappointed. Does anyone remember what I said we'd be discussing today?"

"Jewelry!" A female student belted the answer from somewhere in the crowd below.

Lan Jue gave her a thumbs up. "That's right. Today we're discussing jewelry. In regards to jewel knowledge, there's a lot of complicated information to go over. Jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes, numerous types and categories. I wont be able to cover them all in one class, so today we'll just be covering one kind. If this is a topic you all find interesting, I'll continue with the other kinds at a later date."

Lan Jue lifted the tray from the podium as he began the lesson. The velvet covering was a deep mazarine, identical to the one used to display products in Zeus' Jewelry Shop. A gemstone shimmered alluringly within it. The gem itself was crystal clear, and pure white. Twinkling against the velvet, it was like a star set against the midnight sky.

"Who can tell me what this is?"

"A diamond." Shui Zhondie at Qianlin's shoulder was the first to answer, her pleasant voice wafting up towards him. It was almost musical, and though lacking the softness of Zhou Qianlin's, was far more melodious.

"That's right." Lan Jue nodded at her. "This is one of the gems we often come across when considering jewelry. Diamonds. This is our topic for today. Further, this particular piece is the prize for our raffle."

"Ooohh…" The students' appreciative cooes filled the lecture hall. Using a diamond as the prize? It was something entirely new for the university.

The sneering, self-confident contempt on Wang Hongyun's face froze. From where he was sitting that was a one-karat gem. He couldn't speak as to it's value, but he knew that at least it wasn't cheap. Meanwhile, Lan Jue pointed at the second sentence he'd written on the blackboard.

The silence came quicker this time, and the students settled down to continue. It wasn't long before he had everyone's rapt attention.

"There's that old adage; a diamond is forever. I imagine you've all heard it before. It's actually a slogan, but it also serves to elucidate the gem's character. Namely, a diamond's strength and resistance."

"I'm no chemist, no physicist. I wont go in to how a gem in made, or it's component parts. I will tell you that a diamond is hard. If we don't consider power gems, then diamonds are the strongest precious stones there are. If we were to assign a value of 'ten' to how hard it is, then the other gems we know such as rubies and sapphires would be a nine. Jadite would be seven. Specifically those types of jade – as they were collectively referred to in the ancient era – which were at a hardness of seven or more were Jadeite. Under seven were called nephrite."

"It's our first class on the subject, and as such I don't want to inundate you with information. Just know that for the classic gems, diamonds are the hardest. As a result they are the preference for engagement and wedding rings. They resist damage and wear, and represent the endurance and eternity of a couple's love.

Lan Jue's voice was magnetic. Not too fast, not too slow. His words were plain, his delivery solid. The students listened easily as he continued.

Lan Jue stepped from the dais and handed the tray to Jin Tao. "Pass this around and make sure everyone has a chance to look." He smiled a little. "And if everyone wouldn't mind showing a little restraint. In fact losing this diamond wouldn't affect me, as it's meant to be given away regardless, but it would take the opportunity away from your fellow classmates."

A soft chuckle trilled though the students. The atmosphere grew a little more relaxed.

Lan Jue paid no further mind to Jin Tao and the diamond, and returned to the podium to continue the lecture. "So that's it concerning the hardness of a diamond. Today, what we'll discuss is how to assess the quality of a diamond, if you are so inclined. First, is the size. Generally speaking the size of a gem is directly proportional to it's cost – the same holds true for power gems. I suppose it's fair to say that the bigger the gem, the more it'll cost you. Conversely the smaller, the cheaper. It certainly applies as a rule to diamonds."

"If your interest in a diamond is for it's value as an item later, then you're looking for something in the range of one karat or more. The price difference between a point ninety-nine and one karat diamond is significant. The one being passed around class right now is precisely one karat. The size of a diamond, though, doesn't not entirely determine it's price however. If this diamond were two karats the price would not be doubled, necessarily."

"Other than size, in an effort to determine the quality of a diamond, there are a small number of other criteria to consider. Could one assume that two, one-karat diamonds would be of similar prices? This would be false, as their quality could be vastly different. The price, then, could be just as volatile."

The tray had begun to make it's way back from the far recesses of the class. The students were all familiar with diamonds, but it was the first time for most that they saw one up close, much less with an explanation. They examined it with interest as it passed.

"There are three others ways to determine a gem's quality, aside from size. They are color, clarity, and cut. We'll start with color. For diamonds, it's simply the whiter, the better. Their ranking in the order of color is indicating by alphabet, with the lowest letters displaying inferior color. The highest, is D. This indicates one hundred percent, pure white. Perfection. Next is E, nearly perfect. Then F, approximately ninety-eight percent white. These three are the top of the color scale. Lower letters are G, H, I, J, and K. The further down the list you go, the more yellowed the gem appears, and the price suffers as a result. A D-colored gem could be triple the price of an I-colored gem of the same size. Clearly, the color has a significant impact on value. Of course when seeking a purchase you don't always need to chase after perfection. D, E and F gems are immaculately colored, and just as rare."

"The gem before you today has a color rating of F, nearly entirely white."

As the gem passed from hand to hand, Lan Jue continued to elaborate on the intricacies of diamond identification. He followed with clarity, and cut, delivering the information with ease and approachability.

"The perfect diamond would be one whose color, cut and clarity are the top of it's class. These are what are called Flawless Diamonds. This is where the phrase 'flawless beauty' comes from."

Time passed quickly as the class proceeded, Lan Jue carefully providing the knowledge to the gathered students. The diamond and it's tray made the rounds, finishing it's journey back on his podium.

"And now for the moment you all have been waiting for. You all have been patient and attentive. It's time for the lottery."

He picked up the tray before him. "Our method will be simple, to ensure fairness for all participants."

Lan Jue passed out scraps of paper he'd prepared in advance. "Please write your names on the paper, then pass them back up when you're finished. We'll place your tickets in a box and draw one slip. Whoever has their name on that paper, that's the diamond's new owner."

The slips were quickly written and recovered. Lan Jue placed them all in a box he'd prepared earlier, and set it on the podium. He stuck his hand within, rustled the contents, and pulled out a single scrap.

"Alright, and the winner is… Zhou… Zhou Qianlin!" Lan Jue stuttered ever so slightly, surprised by the unlikely result.

What are the chances? But there it was, the winner, Zhou Qianlin.

She herself was taken aback, and her numerous male fans seated behind her waved their arms in excitement. Still Lan Jue felt something was amiss. A flash of blue light crossed his eyes as he employed his psychic force to probe the interior of the box. In the one hundred or so tickets he found, forty-two bore Zhou Qianlin's name…

1. In China, it's customary – mostly in primary/middle/high school – to stand and say hello to the teacher in this fashion at the start of class. It's really only done in universities for teachers that are highly respected.

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Chapter 126: College Exchange Competition?

Forty-two tickets with the name Zhou Qianlin! Holy hell with these guys – I'm going to drown in the sea of hormones here. Lan Jue could only sigh in defeat. He hadn't expected what was normally an entirely fair raffle to turn out this way. The young men valiantly waving their arms in triumph each must have written her name on those papers in lieu of themselves. It certainly served to prove how important she was to the male half of the student population. But it was what it was, and there could be nothing for it now.

"Would Miss Zhou Qianlin please approach the podium and claim her prize."

She did as requested, and approached Lan Jue. Her brows were wrinkled. He looked towards her and understood. He hoped she understood the truth, but he understood how it looked.

Zhou Qianlin plucked the diamond from the tray, pinching it between her fingers. He lifted it to her eyes and took a closer look, then put it back.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I can't accept the diamond. If you would, Professor, please donate it to Grace hospital instead. Call it a donation from the students of your etiquette class."

"Very good," he said, nodding.

Cheers arose from behind them. Of course there wasn't an absence of jeers and shouts of resentment. No small number of young women scowled openly at the situation, likely assuming this was some ploy to ingratiate herself to the public.

However Lan Jue knew better. This was no ploy, Zhou Qianlin was honestly just a good woman. Her conscience wouldn't allow her to take something she didn't earn.

Though the result of the lottery had not proceeded as expected, for most it was the perfect end to the lesson. With it, the class successfully came to an end. Zhou Qianlin turned and exited, Tang Mi close at her heels. Shui Zhongdie was with them, but as they passed she slowed just enough to stare with interest at the diamond a final time. She playfully stuck her tongue out at Lan Jue before hastening to catch up with the other two.

"Jin Tao, Tang Xiao, if you two would come with me," he said to his young pupils.

"Yes, Professor." Anticipation was written clearly on their faces. They knew it; today was the day their training really began.

As Lan Jue passed, he looked pointedly at Hua Li sat in the back of the room. Poseidon rose and followed.

ζ

"Qianlin, why didn't you just take the diamond? It certainly wasn't a cheap bauble. And according to what Professor Lan was saying, it was above average." Tang Mi walked at her friend's side, firing off the line of inquiry.

"What kind of woman accepts diamonds so easily? Are you really such an air-head or do you just pretend?"

Tang Mi pouted at the harsh words. "What's stopping a woman from doing just that! You're just being stuffy. It was a prize! Luck of the draw."

"From what I saw, it wasn't so much luck." Shui Zhongdie finally managed to catch up to the two. "I saw the guy next to me write Zhou Qianlin's name on his paper. I'm sure he wasn't the only one as well. Otherwise what a coincidence! Hhm, with Qianlin here the two of us don't amount to much. I'm so jealous!"

Tang Mi sputtered. "Knock it off. You with your Student President boyfriend. And yet you're still the flirty one."

Shui Zhongdie chortled. "What about him. He just fancies himself as my boyfriend. I haven't hung out with him recently at all."

"And what has our illustrious chairman been so busy with lately?"

"Still with all the meetings," she said. "Lir University once again wants to show off how much better they are. I really don't know what the university's higher-ups are thinking. Lir University is for mecha piloting, and ours is focused on research and development. What are they thinking with these endless mecha combat competitions? It's so boring! Just thinking of that smug face of his makes me wanna squish it."

Tang Mi echoed the sentiment. "You're right! The last time we lost terribly. We were lucky to have Professor Tang with us that time. Otherwise it would have been an absolute embarrassment. And we're doing it again this year? The school agreed?"

"What I hear is that the school hopes our constant losses to Lir University we'll make us want to strive harder. Our mecha combat department isn't the strongest, to the consternation of our school bullies."

Tang Mi's plaintive cries followed. "They're upset, so much the worse for us! But us girls can't be cowardly, bring those LU punks on. If any of 'em say anything I'll show em what's up!"

Shui Zhongdie pumped her fists in the air. "You and me both, sister!"

Zhou Qianlin shot them a hopeless look. "It's gotta be tiring being such war-hawks. In fact Professor Tan and I have been working on a new type of laser cannon. How about I give you guys a first-hand demonstration?"

Shui Zhongdie almost tackled her with a hug. "Qianlin, so catty! Do all your suitors know that?"

ζ

The McCrary high-alt verti-car slowly came to a stop just outside Skyfire Avenue. The doors rose, and out stepped Lan Jue, Hua Li and the two young disciples. The car had been brought today by Hua Li, though it was Lan Jue who insisted on a different sort of transportation after sending Zhou Qianlin. When he picked up the key from his friend, he couldn't help but sigh in appreciation, returning to modern society.

"Man, sweet! When'll I be able to get me one of these? I had no idea you had so much money, teach!" Jin Tao looked at the car in excitement.

Even Tang Xiao, who himself come from a family of means, looked on in appreciation. What man didn't enjoy his sports cars?

Lan Jue suddenly grew serious. "Come on."

He took them directly to Skyfire Underground. The Avenue's overworld section was a sight more stringent, and Lan Jue feared even his status as a councilman wouldn't be enough to get them in.

As the elevator doors opened, Jin Tao and Tang Xiao stared – struck dumb.

Jin Tao was appreciably better off. He was fearless in the face of the unknown. But Tang Xiao was different. He knew about the Avenue, about what it meant, and his excitement could hardly be contained at finally being here. But what he didn't know was that there existed a second Avenue.

His eyes filled with the old-style buildings, the crowds of people, and he couldn't help but blurt out. "Am I in heaven?"

"Not far off," Lan Jue replied. "Skyfire Avenue is indeed a real place. A place for Adept exchange, and the largest gathering of Talents in he Eastern Alliance. It's loosely managed, free. Here, an Adept can get anything at all that they need."

"I've heard of it," Tang Xiao assured, "But my dad said I had to wait until I graduated before I qualified to be here. The rest I can't recall. I had no idea it would be like this – it's amazing."

Lan Jue revealed a strange smile. "Amazing? We'll see if you still feel that way later."

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Chapter 127：Skyfire Necklace

The first time Tang Xiao and Jin Tao entered Skyfire Underground's Zeus' Jewelry Store, their reaction was just as severe as when they entered the underground itself. They were stunned, but not by the jewels. Before them stood Mika and Lin Guoguo.

"Boss." The two women called to Lan Jue in greeting.

He smiled. "How'd it go? Is your cooperation improving?"

Lin Guoguo shook her fist dramatically. "We're making progress! But don't come looking yet boss. Give us some time to get better, and you'll be pleasantly surprised."

"Alright." Lan Jue nodded with a chuckle. He indicated to the two young men beside him. "These are my two newest students. They'll soon become common faces around here. This is Tang Xao, the other is Jin Tao. Jin Tao will be staying with us for a little while."

"So the decoction I fetched," Mika offered, "was for them, I assume."

Lan Jue nodded. "Jin Tao will use one. Tang Xiao has no need for it. We'll use it tomorrow. Today we'll be spending our time prepping. You're all done with what I asked you to do?"

It was Mika's turn to nod. "All set." As she spoke, she walked over to the young flabbergasted disciples. "I'm Mika. You can call me Miss Mika. Work hard, and don't disgrace the boss."

"Yes, Miss Mika. We'll do whatever the Professor requires, and soon be strong enough to make him proud!" Tang Xiao stuck out his flabby chest as he made the declaration. His normally fluttery eyes were full with determination.

One of Jin Tao's primary advantages over Tang Xiao was his fearlessness towards the unknown, and while he wasn't timid around his new surroundings, he did feel as though he'd entered an entirely different world. It was the first time meeting these two gorgeous women, and yet he felt none of the instant disdain he was used to from others. The feelings this called up in him were too difficult to describe.

"Yes." His response was simple, but the emotion within them gave them power.

"Jin Tao'll go with you. I'll take Tang Xiao," Lan Jue said to Hua Li.

"Mm." Ever since last night, he appeared considerably less upbeat.

They entered the giant warehouse at the back of the store. Thor was conspicuously absent. The warehouse seemed deserted.

Lin Guoguo took over the store business for the time being while Mika joined the others, leading the way. The way was lit by wall sconces, their tungsten light illuminating the strange world they found themselves in. Their mouths were dry from nerves.

Lan Jue fumbled in his coat and produced two small boxes. He handed each of his disciples one. "Wear them. These are the badges that will allow you to enter Skyfire Underground unmolested. Next time you wont need me to bring you in."

The boys opened their respective boxes and spied the necklace within. It was no fancy thing, just a simple golden chain with a pendent. It was round, and in it's center was inlaid a translucent gemstone.

"It's a Skyfire Necklace, be sure not to lose it. If you do, you must tell me immediately."

"Got it!" Jin Tao and Tang Xiao answered with one voice, slipping the necklace around their necks.

Hua Li took Jin Tao out, while Tang Xiao and Lan Jue remained in the warehouse. Lan Jue looked towards him. "If you want to become powerful, your personal powers are the foundation. As I'm sure you know, in today's world of modern technology a person's discipline and ability determine their success as a mecha pilot. Because an Adept's endurance surpasses that of a normal human, they are able to better control and suffer the strains of a mecha suit. So, every single top-level mecha pilot is the product of a perfect symbiotic relationship between man and machine. And the proper power gems. These are the single greatest soldiers at an army's disposal. Because of this, whether you or Jin Tao, our first priority must be your personal abilities."

"I'll tell you, the risk Jin Tao are undertaking by imbibing this Fantascia Genetica medicine is to employ acquired Western assistance to improve his Talent. Therein lies the danger. But you, your situation is different. You need to be strengthened, forged in the fires. To search for every opportunity, to the very limit, to improve upon what you were blessed with. If there comes a day you think you can't keep going, where you can't handle it, then quit. But if you do, you can no longer call me your teacher. Understood?"

Tang Xiao took a deep breath. He nodded resolutely at his master. "Professor. I will call you teacher for the rest of my life."

"Just words," Lan Jue said indifferently. "Show me you mean it. Today, you're task is to hold your own against your new colleague. Mika, if you would…"

"Yes, Boss." Mika shoved her black-rimmed glasses higher on her tiny nose. She made her way to the center of the warehouse, and turned. Her eyes locked on to Tang Xiao's.

He looked at the woman in her business attire, with her fiery temper. He couldn't help but gulp in fear. His heartbeat rang in his ears. If I'm to take a beating, at least being whipped by a woman like this isn't so bad.

He shuffled to a spot twenty-some meters in front of her, and stopped. The distance was one he'd chosen deliberately. In general it was accepted that an adept's range of discipline had it's limit. Even if their focus was ranged attacks, twenty meters was enough to give him time to react.

"Are you ready?" Mika looked pointedly at Tang Xiao.

"Ready, Miss Mika. Go easy on me." Tang Xiao laughed nervously. His feet shook ever so slightly beneath him.

Wordlessly Mika took off, rushing headlong towards Tang Xiao. However, just before she landed her strike, the ground shuddered from beneath her and a metal barrier flashed to life. She cut off her charge. Tang Xiao sidestepped to the left and stamped the ground with his left foot. A hearty boom arose in response. His skin coagulated, hardened, and took on a silvery look.

With his level of metallic control, he not only possessed the ability to manipulate himself but also – by virtue of metallic malleability – employ it as an attack. The warehouse itself was entirely composed of metal, which gave him the advantage in that regard.

But, just as he was getting ready to feel proud of himself, the smile melted from his face.

As Mika rushed again at the barrier he'd created, her body began to burn a fiery, translucent red. Her flaming figure crashed against the metal cover, penetrating it. As she did, it melted away behind her in to a pool of molten iron. Tang Xiao didn't have time to react before Mika's fist was barreling towards his face.

Bang!

Tang Xiao's face went askew as the fist landed. Mika's scorching fist had been burned in to his cheek.

However, to Mika's surprise the violent strike hadn't caused Tang Xiao to be cast away as she expected. He only stumbled slightly. How heavy WAS this kid, she thought. With the question rumbling through her mind, she took advantage of his stagger to launch herself unimpeded in to the air. One foot connected with his stomach, and she arced around to connect her other foot viciously with his head.

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Chapter 128: Roasted Tang Xiao

Tang Xiao's massive girth tumbled to his backside, as though all the muscles in his body had vanished. Suddenly, his body morphed, changing in to a large pedestal. The sudden shift in position hadn't just been to avoid Mika's violent assault, but also an opportunity to attack. Two large iron rebars lashed out like whips at the woman as she soared overhead.

"Tang Xiao, don't go easy. Give it your all." Lan Jue's gentle voice called out from a short distance away. He stood calmly to the side, hands clasped behind his back, and watched the two exchange blows.

"Who needs him to go easy!" Mika's voice was cold and dismissive. She glared down on him, hovering in the air. Suddenly, two molten balls of fire burst from her palms and began to revolve around her.

The whipping bars of iron came in contact with the fiery orbs. The moment they touched, the iron became red-hot. They melted away, not unlike Tang Xiao had moments ago.

The column that was Tang Xiao suddenly flashed. From it, scores of metal barbs and cutting splinters shot forth. They barreled towards Mika like a cutting wall of debris.

Mika, in response, twisted easily in the air and headed to ground. A half-circle of light a meter across sprung to life near her, and as the metal spikes smashed against it they turned to slag and dropped away.

Her descend continued, and with each inch she grew nearer to Tang Xiao the heat and pressure of her fiery presence increased. The column once more changed, this time dissolving in to a metallic river and dispersing around the warehouse. The titanium white light it was had emitted softened visibly, but the move did manage to avoid Mika's rush.

The fiery succubus smirked. She landed, the tip of her left root resting on the ground while the rest of her floated in a fiery haze. Her right arm raised, and she extended her index finger. She turned, three hundred and sixty degrees, and as her finger moved the air around it caught aflame. When she came full circle, she was surrounded by a wall of fire. It took only a small motion, and the living inferno lashed out to incinerate the liquid metal wherever it fled.

"Miss Mika! Spare me!" Tang Xiao cried.

Mika stopped, her raging fires diminishing a hair, but that didn't stop her fires from their insatiable hunger. They raced through the warehouse chasing the metal. However, strangely, as they made contact the fires were snuffed out, a though swallowed by the ground itself.

"Hm?" Mika looked on in confusion. Tang Xiao didn't wait for her to recover. Taking advantage of her temporary confusion, she didn't notice when a massive metal hand came reaching up at her from just below her feet. It viciously snatched her up.

Mika was pinned, and though her fierce aura was keeping her from being crushed, the strength and pressure of the hand took her by surprise.

"Miss Mika, how about I tell you a joke?" Tang Xiao's affable voice filled the warehouse.

Mika smiled prettily. "Sure! Go on then." Her voice was kind, inviting, but her pretty eyes took on a dangerous red light. That familiar, creeping terror of her aura began to slither out over everything like a nightmare.

Tang Xiao said nothing further, for as he proceeded to try and crush Mika, her entire body burst in to a raging column of fire. Her left foot stamped against the ground and she was launched upwards. Where her foot made contact, and with her fiery figure at it's center, a massive lotus composed of flames bloomed to life. The flowers of the hellfire lotus reached out to all corners, it's liking fires lapping towards the ceiling, a hundred meters in all directions. The warehouse became a sizzling world of fire.

The pedals landed over the floors, the red-golden light undulating like lava. The floor began to bubble. The distant walls had grown red from the heat that was threatening to melt the entirety of the warehouse.

"Aaahh!" Once again, Tang Xiao cried out.

A jiggling ball of silvery-white liquid bubbled up from the ground below. It's surface, too, was red from the intense heat. A white light fired from it towards the distant ceiling, and the ball of melted metal followed.

Mika called after it. "Still trying to run?" Mika swept her arm. This time it was her turn, as a fiery hand appeared from nowhere and snapped up the fleeing orb. The hand squeezed.

"Miss Mika, mercy!" Tang Xiao's pitiful voice wafted towards her. "I can't take it! Ah, ah, Ah, AH!"

Tang Xiao's circular form was visibly compressed. Gradually the heat increased until the entire orb was a simmering red. Tang Xiao's screams also increased.

Mika looked at her boss. Lan Jue's soft voice answered her unspoken question. "This fatty's a cunning one. If he's got enough energy to scream this loud, then he's fine."

"Oh." Mika grinned devilishly. Those familiar with her would know that expression, and would shudder at what came next. She was the Stygian Succubus, what mercy was there in her?

A golden spout of fire appeared, and rushed to join the fiery hand, slithering through it's finger's to the rapidly heating ball in it's palm. "Think you'd grab me, 'ey pig-boy? Miss Mika'll make things hotter for you!"

The entire hand of fire became a dazzling gold. Tang Xiao glowed a bright red, caught in the center of the golden hellfire.

"Ah! Don't!" Surprisingly, Tang Xiao still had the ability to scream despite the searing fires. At the same time, a tiny twinkling fought against the golden light as a drop of silvery liquid separated from the orb. The light spread out, diffusing over the ball of silver liquid like a membrane. It attempted valiantly to isolate Tang Xiao from the fiery prison he was stuck in.

Lan Jue looked on, and nodded. This, was the strength of an adept's core. The pure energy within them. Tang Xiao released a final, piercing howl. Then he fell silent. All that was left was the fierce white light, ever shining and buried beneath the golden fires.

Lan Jue narrowed his eyes, watching them carefully, judging that white light and it's changes. He waited a moment longer, then spoke. "Mika, that's enough."

Mika waved, and the elemental hand, issued from the flaming column of her palm, was sucked back in to her and dissolved. The smoldering, red ball of metal came tumbling to the floor.

Clunk! The ball became soft and began to deform as though it were made of puddy.

After roughly a minute the waves of heat coming off the metal stopped, and it's color returned to normal. The warehouse around them looked as though nothing had happened. Even the spot of ground that had been melted to ruin by Mika's lotus slowly began to return to normal.

Any outsider, seeing this, would certainly have been pleasantly dumbfounded. Metal, that healed on it's own. A property of Technetium. The warehouse's metal construction was infused with it. Just the smallest amount, but enough to make one's eyes pop. After all, even the slightest bit of technetium was worth just as much as a top-level mecha.

Over time the melted puddle that was Tang Xiao began to reconstitute itself, once again returning to it's silver hue. Though, it was a sight darker than it had been at the outset.

Mika turned to her boss with a grin. "I'll head out first boss."

"Mn," he replied.

Mika paused long enough to chuckle at the silver puddle, then left.

Several more minutes passed before the metal became Tang Xiao's familiar, though frightfully naked, figure.

His skin from head to toe was red, like he'd been roasted. He was foaming at the mouth, and his breath came ragged. His eyes were rolled back in his head. He looked as though he could die at any moment 1.

Lan Jue approached the battered child and knelt at his side. He felt his pulse, then nodded.

The power Tang Xiao revealed today was more than he'd shown Lan Jue in any of their previous meetings. It also seemed like his excessive weight really did have a positive effect on his metalmorphosis discipline. For his Talent to natural evolve as it did, it may in fact have been the right call.

When Tang Xiao came back to his senses, he felt like his body wasn't his. He was weak, limp, and half of his body had no sensation.

In this moment, the first thought that came to mind was… gentle. Yes, gentle, and by that he meant Lan Jue. Only now did he realize how easy his teacher had been going on him.

"What's that smell. It's like pork…" A strange voice filled his ears.

Tang Xiao managed to turn his head with some considerable effort. He saw Jin Tao wander in. The guy walked smooth and easy, his face ruddy and smiling like he'd just gotten a full-body massage.

"Eh? Is that Tang Xiao? What the hell happened to you?" Jin Tao looked down on the naked fatty, rubbed his nose, then nearly leapt from surprise. "That smell is you! Hey fat-ass, who tried to turn you in to pork loins?"

Lan Jue chuckled good-naturedly. He once more moved to Tang Xiao's side and reached down a hand. In his palm was a vibrant green stone. A thrill of electricity ran through the gem, and suddenly a gentle green light issued forth. It reached out and covered Tang Xiao like a blanket.

Tang Xiao began to feel waves of refreshing energy course through him, starting at his limbs then slowly moving inward. His breathing became smoother, and yet his chest was tight with violent intent towards Jin Tao.

What felt like ages later, Tang Xiao was able to pull himself up off the ground with no small measure of moans and groans. His skin felt burnt to a crisp, and every little touch was like fire. He was wracked with ticks and spasms. Just looking at him, though, you wouldn't see anything the matter.

Lan Jue handed the green power gem to Hua Li, who'd entered with Jin Tao. He looked at Jin Tao, a strange look on his face. "I hope tomorrow you're still in such a good mood," he said.

A sudden fear filled him, and Jin Tao couldn't help but stutter a question. "Teach, is it gunna be as bad Fatty Tang over there?"

Lan Jue shook his head. "Of course not. It'll be worse. What happened to him was only the beginning. And your regrets come too late – your sister already passed you over to me. From here on out the rest is up to you. Tang Xiao, rest for half an hour then head back in. Tomorrow, same time, right here. Mika will be waiting. Tonight when you go home, meditate for at least two hours and focus on the changes in your body. Understand?" 2

"Yes, Professor." Tang Xiao earnestly replied. Hearing that Jin Tao's fate was to be worse than his brought some vitality back. Besides, no matter what people said, being beaten by a lady as pretty as Mika was better than being beat on by some dude. Indeed, he'd had the pleasure of seeing her combat pose. Tomorrow, he'll have to be more careful.

1. So much for 'not life threatening' eh Lan Jue? Jeez…

2. What he means here by meditation will be made clearer in a later chapter.

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Chapter 129: The History of Richard and Zhou Qianlin

Hua Li and Lan Jue walked from the warehouse. Hua Li repeatedly tossed and caught the green gem Lan Jue had given him moments before. "If people knew you were using the restorative stone or this, they'd curse you as a wastrel. It's no cheap b-ranked stone, you know. Each time you use it, that's one less. Eventually it'll be gone."

Lan Jue smiled. "Wealthy and headstrong, what can ya do. If it can really motivate Tang Xiao's discipline evolution, then it's worth the cost. I'm handing it over to you for the next few days. I'm heading out to participate in that trip soon."

Hua Li's response was sour. "You head out to play and leave me with all the hard work. If I'd have known from the onset it'd be like this I wouldn't have come to help your ungrateful ass!"

Lan Jue slapped a hand on his friend's shoulder and chortled. "Alright, stop complaining. I'll be back in a few days. By then A-Cheng should also have arrived. It's tough for the group of us to get together these days. When he shows up we'll have some good joint training to undergo. We can't lose this competition coming up."

"When you come back," Hua Li began, "I still have that concert. I was thinking, what about holding it at the National Eastern University? After all the students there are all fans of mine."

"Are you crazy?" Lan Jue shot him a chastising look. "Aren't you afraid of blowing your cover? What kind of nonsense is that."

It was Hua Li's turn to chuckle dismissively. "I'm holding my concert there to make sure you stop stealing away all the pretty girls. I'll steal that Zhou Qianlin and you'll be hopeless."

"Bah! You still think the whole of the galaxy's women like you?" Lan Jue muttered.

Hua Li loftily let his opinions be known. "Unless they're lesbians, or don't know good looks when they see them, there are no other exceptions."

Lan Jue slapped his forehead in exasperation. "This arrogant punk. Do what you like, only make sure you have public security locked down."

"All set. Gobi Entertainment has thrown countless of these sorts of things. Our experience is unparalleled in all the Three Alliances. We know precisely when and how to get it all done with government cooperation." 1

Lan Jue lifted a brow. "It sounds like you're saying Mo Xing has already arrived."

Hua Li's face turned bitter. "You think she wouldn't? I got her message yesterday. I didn't reply, but I can't hide for long. You know her temper. If I keep avoiding her I'm liable to have an 'accident'."

Lan Jue looked as though he were suddenly counting his blessings. "Your problem, yours to deal with."

"You aren't going to help?" Hua Li shot back at him, full of indignation.

"How can I? You want to go up there and reveal to everyone that I'm Zeus? Good friend to Poseidon? Don't forget, I'm a wanted man throughout all of the Eastern Alliance for what I did. If I dared to reveal myself I'd be run out of town."

Hua Li scowled at him. "In my darkest hour it is revealed you are completely unreliable! Fine, you go then. I'll go find Mo Xing. If she really does lose her temper I doubt I'll be able to handle it."

The two gentlemen separated at the door of the Jewelry Shop. Lan Jue returned to the surface and immediately made for the verti-car. He slipped in once the doors opened and engaged the auto-pilot to return the vehicle to the parking garage. He then began pushing his bicycle. Eventually, he arrived at that familiar corner.

It was precisely ten minutes after she'd finished her classes. She'd so far not used the soulcaller gem to make contact with him. Instead she made for their designated corner directly. As her eyes laid upon Lan Jue, they softened visibly. She pulled herself up on the bike.

Lan Jue also did not speak, but he knew his cue and began to pedal. They slowly made their way from the university campus.

"Are we going to the hospital today?"

"Tomorrow."

"Oh," Lan Jue responded.

They kept going, along that long road, neither speaking. Lan Jue brought her to the foot of the mountain Qianlin called home.

"Bye." He waved a hand at her.

She smiled back at him, waved, then made her way up the mountain.

Lan Jue watched her as she left, then turned his bike around to leave.

"Her cuz, I was hoping we could have a small talk." Just then, a chilling voice could be heard from nearby.

Lan Jue paused, and turned his head to look. He spied Richard approaching from the shadows not far off.

"It's you." Lan Jue pushed his bicycle towards the young man. "What do you want to talk about?"

Richard responded in quiet tones. "Let's find somewhere to sit." As he spoke, he pulled his own bicycle from the treeline and hopped on. They both made for the base of the mountain.

Lan Jue always felt guilty whenever it came to Richard. After all, had it not been for him and his actions at their wedding, he and Qianlin would already be married. He had tried desperately to be kind and fair to the kid the few times they'd met.

Richard appeared to be quiet familiar with the road and their surroundings. They rode for about ten minutes before they found a deserted section of road to stop.

They stopped their bikes and placed them against the trees, stepping in off the road. Lan Jue narrowed his eyes at the suspicious behavior, but followed all the same.

They walked for another few minutes, until they were well within the pressing trees. Richard stopped, then, his back to Lan Jue, and began to speak. "It was a coincidence that Qianlin and I met. She was attending a birthday, last year, and my father was in the Eastern Alliance for a state visit. I accompanied as his entourage, successor to the Austin Family dynasty. It was her father's birthday, the Chief Minister Zhou Xueguan. I met her first at that birthday party."

"From that very first moment, even though it was only the first time I'd seen her, I was captivated. She had that simple, quintessential Eastern beauty. Delicate, without the slightest flaw. If she hadn't spoken, just stood out there, I'd have thought she was a sculpture, the product of the galaxy's greatest artist. From that moment, I knew, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from falling in love with her."

"I used everything at my disposal, found every opportunity to talk to her. She asked me if I was some playboy. Of course I told her no, but then she left. I chased after her, asked what was wrong. She shook her head, and told me she was looking for a playboy. She was looking for a bad boy."

"I changed my tone in a hurry. Of course I was a playboy, I told her. A bad boy. I told her about some things I'd done, trouble I'd caused. Peeping in to the girl's bathroom when I was young and so forth. She started to pay attention to me then. Then she asked, if I wanted to get married. I felt… so lucky. The luckiest guy under heaven. Of course I agreed right away. I told my father first thing, and he was understandably surprised. He thought it was some trap set by the Chief Minister."

"It took time but I convinced him. After his own investigation he determined this wasn't elaborate ruse. So he decided to use this opportunity to deepen cooperation and relationships with the East. None of this was important to me. All I cared about was making Qianlin my wife."

"But that day… that was nothing short of a living nightmare. That guy, out of nowhere, stealing away Qianlin. The wedding was thrown in to chaos and my father, enraged, took me from here. For a long time I didn't know what to do, something came over me. Until I knew she was safe I was completely oblivious. I just knew I had to get back to her, so we'd be together."

A fanaticism had crept in to Richard's eyes as he spoke. He looked almost crazy; paranoid, angry, intolerant.

"And then there's you. You know, as far as I've been able to discovered Qianlin doesn't have any cousins. Calling yourself that was a pretext. Why. Why does she sit on the back of your bicycle? Be straight with me."

The craze in his eyes began to change, shifting appreciably to a bitter cold. The icy depths of abandonment.

Lan Jue narrowed his eyes. Thoughts raced through his head as the young man spoke. At first he'd felt sorry for Richard, but now, hearing his tale, doubt filled him. From the story he determined the two of them must not have known each other long. Establishing a wedding date the first time they met? And why would Qianlin want a playboy? A bad guy as her spouse? It all was too strange."

"I'm her bodyguard," Lan jue replied, speaking frankly.

"Bodyguard?" The realization surprised him.

After discovering Qianlin had no older cousins, many possibilities came to Richard. His first thought was of course that the two of them were together. He certainly hadn't expected that he'd be her bodyguard. Lan Jue's revelation left him speechless.

As the heir to the Austin family, his 'sixth sense' had been finely tuned. After determining Lan Jue and Qianlin had no blood relation, there was nonetheless some strange, unexplainable crisis that assailed him. There was something strange about Lan jue, a peculiarity. As though he wasn't what he seemed.

"You're Qianlin's bodyguard? Hired by Uncle Zhou 2?" His questions came quickly.

Lan Jue smiled, cool and relaxed. "Anything more is between she and I. And why did you call me here, Richard? To make your presence known? To tell me all about your history with her?"

Richard's voice came low, almost a growl. "The wedding never went through, but Qianlin is still my fiancé. I don't want you to have any further contact with her. Especially don't go to pick her up. I hope you agree. If you are indeed her bodyguard then this should be easy to handle – here's a check. Write a number, accepted at any bank."

He fished out a blank check from his pocket, and stretched it towards Lan Jue.

It was a strange thing, made of some metal material. It possessed at least ten anti-faking checks, the best electronic money exchange available.

1. This means there will definitely be a problem at the concert.

2. Here he means Zhou Qianlin's father.

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Chapter 130: Another Encounter With the Savage Goddess

Lan Jue laughed, and took the check from his hand. "Alright! Oh, but it looks like the place to write the amount is too small, with all the zeroes I'm thinking."

Richard blinked at him, curiosity evident in his voice. "How much do you want?"

"To abandon my promise and tarnish my reputation?" Lan Jue looked looked at the young man. "A few hundred zeroes at least. So, where should I write?" Instead of writing, however, he handed the check back to him.

"Don't go too far now," Richard warned, his voice hard.

Lan Jue turned away from him, heading back towards the street. He spoke gently over his shoulder as he did. "You know at first, I didn't bear you any ill will. I even sympathized with you. But now, with what you did here, I understand why Zhou Qianlin refused to marry you. The next time you want something like this, do yourself a favor and simply don't bother me with it." He waved a hand, and left the cover of the forest.

Richard remained where he was. His depressed, angry face watched Lan Jue leave. Dappled sunlight fell upon his sunken shoulders, and suddenly there about another figure beside him. Quiet, dark, almost weightless, it stood not far off.

"Young master, shall I…" The person's voice was deep, sinister. They motioned with their hands, indicating the neck.

Richard hesitated. He'd done his research, or tried. He'd attempted to find all he could about this Lan Jue, but all he managed was a vague and ambiguous connection with Skyfire Avenue. It was a place that filled him with a sense of trepidation. If it was indeed true that Lan Jue was what he said – simply Zhou Qianlin's body guard – then there was no need to incite the Avenue's ire.

"Forget it. Just keep an eye on him." Richard's voice was cold, his voice ominous. He was the heir to the top-most political dynasty of the Western Alliance, and apparently what that entailed was darker than he let on in public.

By the time Lan Jue reached his bicycle, his scowl had curdled. "So he decides not to make a move. Smarter than he looks."

Richard couldn't have known the pity, the guilt that was in Lan Jue's heart for him. Now, however, it was all gone.

ζ

"What's wrong with you! A simple message than you just run off to where ever?! Are you trying to piss me off?" Mo Xiao stood with her arms crossed over her smart business attire. She broke pose occasionally to angrily waggle a finger at the hooded, masked Hua Li standing sheepishly before her.

Hua Li smiled apologetically. "Alright, alright. Don't be mad. You gotta give me at least some free time. You can't have me working all day every day! I'll tire out if you do that. But you were right, see, resting a few days has made my skin much better!" He slipped the mask from his face to show her what he meant.

His handsome face bore a suave smile, and this was enough to evidently cause Mo Xiao to relax somewhat.

"You have the nerve to talk to me about freedom? How many days a year do you actually work? All added together, no more than two months. The rest of the time it's me doing all the work. Even then you still dare to run away, without so much as telling me where you're going. Not even a message on my communicator. I'm out hunting for clues, and if I'd never heard any news would you ever have shown your face again?"

"It's not like that! I wanted to get in contact with you as quick as possible. Look, this entire time I've been here I was thinking about you. Come on, gimmie a hug." He spread open his arms and tried to wrap her up.

Mo Xiao had her palm raised to push him away, but for reasons unknown she felt too weak to resist. She end up pressed against his chest. It was only a brief connection, but when he finally released her, Mo Xiao's face had reddened visibly. The anger in her expression had also lessened.

"It's always like this," she muttered grudgingly. "Ok. Down to business." Her eyes grew clear and sharp. She was wholly the businesswoman now. "Your idea to hold the concert in the National University isn't a bad one. I've already got some people working on it. They're getting in contact with the University's people. They're excited about it, but have a very strict confidentiality agreement we'll need to agree to. You'll also need to practice your songs. There's no way you're screwing this up on the day. For the next few days you're under strict surveillance."

"Can't happen. I still have something I have to take care of." Hua Li contradicted her in hesitant tones.

"Still?" Mo Xiao glared at him, and crossed her arms. "I know you don't go running off for no reason. Spill. What was so important you had to come running off here?"

"Still A-Jue," he said. "Ever since Hera died he's been languishing out here. I heard a little while ago from A-Cheng that he'd found him. Later he got in contact with me, told me about this run in he had with the Pontiff's Castle. How he'd been hurt in the ensuing fight. I came this time to look after him. Even though I was loathe to leave your side, I had to do my duty!"

"A-Jue? You mean Zeus?" Her eyes grew sharper still, piercing at the mention of the name. The expression in those cutting eyes underwent a series of rapid, curious changes.

Hua Li gave her a strange look of his own. "What is it?"

Mo Xiao puckered her lips in thought. "It's nothing. It's just been a long time since we'd met. How is he now?"

"He's alright," he said. "I can't say good, but not bad. Finally starting to recover from the death of Hera."

Mo Xiao nodded. "That's good then."

ζ

Two days later. Early Morning

As ever Lan Jue was astride his bicycle, pedaling towards the university grounds. In contrast, however, he'd swapped out his formal wear for a track suit 1. It served to give him a distinctly energetic appearance 2. He didn't look any different from the students he taught, in truth.

The white exercise gear fit him perfectly. His feet her covered in similarly pure white sneakers, simple and unassuming. A backpack slung cross his back completed the ensemble.

He parked his bike in the security area, and waited patiently at the school's large gates. He didn't tolerate others being late, so naturally he had to abide by his own rules. It was only a little while before nearly all the teachers were gathered. Like him, they were dressed casually. After all, this wasn't a long trip. About five days, not counting the commute. There wasn't any need to bring a lot of fancy stuff.

Jin Yan had also arrived early. She was clad in violet sportswear that set off her delicate features. Upon seeing Lan Jue her eyes lit up, and she hurried to greet him.

"You look quite good in a track suit, Professor Lan!" She smiled prettily at him.

"It's been a long time since I've pulled it out," he admitted. " It feels strange to wear it again. Comfortable, though."

"That's good then. You look so young. If they didn't know any better the others would probably think you were a student here."

She stopped when she noticed Lan Jue's faced go stiff, almost unnatural. She followed his eyes to the gate, in time to see the willowy figure swaying their way.

As she passed, the teachers almost automatically hustled to clear a path. Only a few of the braver ones, huddled in groups, dared to greet her.

A pair of jeans hugged tightly against her, outlining her long legs and exaggerating her pert backside. Her top was an exercise shirt, white, similar to Lan Jue's own. Her black hair was tied simply at the back in a pony tail and she wore no make-up. Still, she was beautiful, a natural gift. Despite how baggy her shirt was, it failed to completely shroud her alluring figure. Standing there she looked for all the world like a proud, newly budded daisy.

"What's the Savage Goddess dong here?" His heart rate had increased at the revelation.

Jin Yan realized the predicament and chuckled. "Professor Tan is actually a very nice woman. She just has an… explosive temper. If she didn't, with her charms, there'd be no end of men chasing after her."

Lan Jue's own estimation of the Tan Lingyun couldn't have been further from Jin Yan's. He shook his head. And yet, he kept a respectful distance form her. "It doesn't matter how pretty she is. With such a cruel temper, no man would dare speak to her."

"If you've got something to say then speak up." A voice suddenly interrupted him from nearby.

Lan Jue turned his head, and spied Wang Hongyuan. He wasn't sure when the man had approached. The dance instructor looked at the two of them with a dismissive expression.

Today he was dressed in a track suit as well, this one black. There wasn't much that could be said about his oily hair and skin, but he did indeed keep good care of his figure. His suit was tight, and hugged his stature. He stood straight on thin legs, watching them.

Lan Jue greeted him with an easy smile, and didn't bother with his impolite greeting. Jin Yan, however, was less constrained.

"What are you doing going about talking like that, Professor Wang. Don't forget we are all electives teachers here, and here you are so ornery."

"I just can't tolerate seeing someone talk behind another's back," he said through a scowl.

Lan Jue's smile disappeared. "And what exactly did I say that was so bad?"

Wang Hongyun sniffed arrogantly, his head high, and stomped off.

"Don't be upset, Professor Lan. Sometimes Wang Hongyun's just like this. He's a little difficult to deal with sometimes, but he's got a good heart. 3 I've heard other teachers say he spends half his salary every month to help out poor students."

"Oh?" Lan Jue looked at the retreating dance instructor with no small measure of surprise. He hadn't expected any part of the guy to be worth a damn.

The appointed time was quick approaching, and a large verti-car was slowly making it's way towards them. It stopped before them, and as the doors opened Director Wu was revealed.

"Alright, if you all would please get in the car. You all are adults, so I wont spend a lot of time on the do's and don'ts. Remember that Planet Taihua is not a wholly developed planet. When we arrive, please make sure you keep safe and help each other out where necessary. Avoid anything dangerous."

As it turned out, Director Wu's leading style was less school leader and more old friend. It brought a smile to Lan Jue's face.

His small speech concluded, the teachers began to file in to the transport. Naturally, the electives teachers mostly sat together. And naturally, Jin Yan sat beside Lan Jue. But what brought a decidedly depressing turn to his day was the fact that – for reasons unknown – Tan Lingyun chose to sat at his other side. There was an isle between them, but that didn't stop Lan Jue from feeling uncomfortable with the situation. It was made worse when, her eyes sweeping over him, her face twisted in a disdainful sneer.

Looks like we're to be mortal enemies. From then on, Lan Jue simply didn't look her way, like there was nothing there to see at all.

1. Why is it rich people always wear track suits? What's with that? It's tacky.

2. TSS disagrees.

3. Oh my god woman, give it up. Some people suck.

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Chapter 131: Planet Taihua

The bus-sized verti-car rumbled to a start, then began it's journey. They still had to travel to the university's exclusive space ship, which would then deliver them to Planet Taihua.

Wu Junyi stood near the driver's seat. His ordinarily serious Director's face was gone, and he had a small smile as he addressed the teachers. "Professors one and all, you've worked hard. For this trip, I will be your guide. I hope it will be a pleasant and relaxing experience for all of you. In a little while we'll be on our way, and from then it's twenty hours to Skyfire's closest neighbor, Taihua. Once we arrive, the next five days will be spent enjoying one another's company. For now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride."

Lan Jue responded by slipping on his sunglasses and headphones. He sank back in to his chair, and closed his eyes. The sound that filled his ears was pleasant, a sudden gift from Hua Li as he was preparing to leave. It was, in fact, Sounds of Nature – his soon-to-be-released album.

It wasn't long until their bus arrived at the public ship hangar.

The university's ship was bright silver. The NEU identification symbols shimmered on it's sides. The teachers filed out of the bus, and on to the ship directly. Then, off they went to Taihua.

As they boarded, Tan Lingyun chose a corner to herself, distancing herself in apparent disgust. Though Lan Jue was thankful for her departure, his pride was further bruised by her hateful attitude. He wondered what was so despicable about him that caused her to act that way.

Jin Yan wasn't aware of his mood, and so chose once more to sit beside him. She asked a few questions about how Jin Tao was doing, but noticed Lan Jue was tired. She knew how to behave in social situations and let the subject lie.

Lan Jue closed his eyes. He felt a shudder rumble through the ship, heard the noise of it's engines firing. It brought a sense of calm to him. In truth he was enjoying this university lifestyle. It was simple, and quiet. Although there were things that required his attention every day, and although he had concerns for his students and what to teach, it was a life he felt was happy and enriching.

Lan Jue slipped in to a meditative state, spurred on by the quietude of his mind and the contentment he felt. His consciousness turned inward, expanding out within him.

Unlike normal people, his own meridians were a light blue color. His skeleton, silver. The flow of his blood and fluids was the same as any normal man, but close examination would reveal sparks of electricity flashing between the erythrocytes.

This was a mark of the ninth ranked talent, the strange conditions of their body. The only way an Adept could control these levels of power, was if they conditioned themselves as conduits of this energy.

To put it simply, there were distinct similarities between a high level Adept and an power gem. Some said that Adepts were little more than intelligent gems themselves. Of course it wasn't that simple, but in a sense it wasn't entirely false.

Every Adept had a Core, the center of their powers. For innate Talents they had it at birth, and it expanded with time and training. For them, the strength or lack thereof was determined by genetics.

When Adepts first appeared among the ranks of humanity, the very strongest were ninth ranked. The Paragons of today all arose from that basic metric, reaching their lofty heights through unending cultivation.

Having an innate Talent was best, as was widely considered, though they didn't have their supreme power from birth. If they did, their own raging energies would destroy them. Like anyone they else they, too, required training. Through cultivation they could inspire their Core to grow, to expand and interact with the external energies that make up the world around them. With time, their power expands to great heights.

But the training regimens were difficult, and boring. Many average Talents were stuck in mediocrity because they couldn't bear the process. They squandered their opportunities, and the time for proper training passed them by. The foundation was never built, and thus they remained average, for the rest of their lives.

The Core of an Adept wasn't set, and it's location was different for each person. The Psychic Tide, for instance, had her Core between her eyebrows. It was the optimal location for her particular Talent. For many high-level Adepts, their Core was fixed in the pit of their stomachs. Mika and Ke'er were counted among them. Then there were special cases, like Xiuxiu. Her core was actually in her right arm. So, in combat, she led with her right.

Lan Jue's own Core was in the pit of his stomach. However, in contrast to most Adepts, his Core was different.

His was diamond shaped, suspended in the exact center of his torso. It was a deep, endless blue. It twinkled with light as Lan Jue breathed, firing off in all directions with each inhalation, and shimmering as he exhaled. How often it did so was a result of his heart rate and respiration.

Surrounding the diamond core, a pure white light shone. It was a bolt of white lightning that flickered rapidly with power, faster than the normal human eye could fathom. However, it's instability was clear.

Both his Core and that bolt of lightning seemed dimmer than they should be. Their flickers, slow. This was undoubtedly a result of Lan Jue's careful control.

Thunder and lightning were the most explosive of the Disciplines. In combat, their strength was renowned. The drawback was it's instability, for it was just as volatile as it was potent. To protect himself from this, the first thing Lan Jue did after his injury was block his Core's power. Had he not, the fluctuating force of his Discipline would have undoubtedly turned on his own body.

"When you are able to bring your lightning and thunder together, blended as one, that is the moment you will be a Paragon! When you do, that will be your opportunity to follow in my footsteps."

The aged voice reverberated in Lan Jue's ears. Any time that voice came to him, a dull pain followed. The unhappy memories of his youth came rushing back on the tides of that hateful sound.

The tribulations of Tang Xiao and Jin Tao were serious, but compared to the suffering of his own youth they were the lucky ones. For him and his brother, their younger years were spent in hell! The fact they lived through it was damn near miraculous.

Lan Jue gently shook his head, and awoke from his meditation. The motion also served to help him shake off those unwanted memories.

To help wipe the bitter thoughts away his eyes peered out of the porthole to the universe beyond. Thanks to the relatively short distance between their destination and departure, there was no need for wormholes or Deep Sleep. He could sit and enjoy the view.

The boundless horizons of the universe spread out before him. It didn't matter how lofty your status, how great your powers, or how terrible your troubles… in the vastness of space they were less than nothing.

In the distance a pale blue orb spun silently in the dark. Even from out here it was easy to see Taihua's allure. Blues and greens melded together as the dominant hues. It appeared as though Lan Jue's silent ruminations were not brief. They would soon arrive at their destination.

"It really is just full of vitality!" Jin Yan sighed in admiration as she stared at the nearing planet.

Lan Jue nodded slowly. "Just so. Certainly worthy of being a tourist destination. I hope it's a rewarding trip."

"You've never been to Taihua before?" Jin Yan asked, somewhat puzzled.

He shook his head. "I'm not actually from Skyfire. I haven't really visited the surrounding areas."

This captured Jin Yan's interest. "Oh, so where does our Professor Lan hail from?"

"The home world."

"Home world? Isn't the environment there already unbearable? The destruction of the previous area was terrible. If it weren't for the following interstellar migration, then the homeworld…" Jin Yan stopped, winced apologetically, and sneaked a peek at Lan jue.

He grinned, the expression making it clear he didn't mind. "You're right! The ignorance of our race almost completely destroyed our ancestral home. But that's our home, the origin of our lineage. In fact Taihua looks a little like our home world once did. If the home world had never suffered the scars of that chaos, it'd be just as beautiful."

"Attention please. We'll be entering Taihua's atmosphere shortly. Please fasten your seat belts." The warning and subsequent beeps aroused the travelers from their slumber. Jin Yan pressed the buckles together until that tell-tale snap greeted her. Everyone settled firmly in their seats.

The ship was rocked with a violent jolt, and the porthole became obscured by a fiery red light. The interior lights of the ship flickered on and off as they tore through Taihua's upper atmosphere.

The journey through the thickening air was a short one, and as the friction eased so did the violent shaking. The ship stabilized, and the scenery returned to view outside the porthole. Moisture dotted the glass as they tore through the clouds, followed by a slight tremble as the ship began to reduce it's speed.

As the mist cleared the dazzling blue ocean was revealed. Where it ended a vast expanse of green met the sea. For many of the teachers it wasn't their first time visiting the planet, but they still had their faces glued to the porthole. One after the other they sighed in appreciation.

"It's beautiful." Lan Jue, too, could not stop himself from speaking his mind.

"It is! So pretty. If I could move here after I retire it would be incredible." Jin Yan's voice was full of yearning.

"I thought development was banned," Lan Jue said, "You can still settle here?"

"There's a small section open for development, to benefit tourism," Jin Yan explained. "And you know as well as I that in the East there's nothing money can't accomplish. If you really wanted to live here it wouldn't be impossible, just very, very expensive. At any rate it's more than any of us could afford."

"I see," Lan Jue replied.

The ship began to descend. It was slow, in order to allow the passenger to adept to the change in cabin pressure. Half an hour later the ship was touching down on a tarmac surrounded by verdant green forests.

As the doors opened they were struck by the moist, fresh winds.

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Chapter 132: Group Leader Tan

Ah, moist, fresh, full of life. It's a place very suitable for a master of the Water element! Were Hua Li here for his cultivation, he'd definitely get more out of it. Lan Jue quietly considered the surroundings as he thought back to his friend. Taihua was, as promised, a beautiful place.

This assertation only increased as he left the confines of the space ship. His eyes filled with greens of every shade imaginable. Scores of vegetation both known and unknown surrounded them on all sides. The air was thick with fresh oxygen, so much that it took a moment to acclimate. It certainly would have a restorative effect on the body. 1

He took a deep breath, and indeed felt his injured meridians relaxing as the energies of the world around him flowed through them.

Wu Junyi clapped his hands, demanding the attention of the gathered employees. "Alright. We've arrived at our destination, Planet Taihua. Keep in mind that the oxygen concentration here is one hundred and twenty percent of our own back on Skyfire. If you're finding it difficult to get used to, there are oxygen masks available. Try to avoid getting punch-drunk from the excess oxygen. In a moment we'll be heading for the encampment. Starting tomorrow, you all will have some free time to wander around at your leisure. We've come today with forty teachers, half of whom are mecha instructors. After we arrive at the encampment, we'll be separating you in to groups of eight. Stay within your 'team' as you wander, enjoy each others' company, take pictures and so on."

Eight people per team? Hearing this, Lan Jue felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding fill him 2

These 'encampments' were in fact so crude as to make the more prudish among them want to spit. It was a single, simple log cabin. As they arrived, the various materials they would need for their stay were handed out.

"So what are the guidelines for tourism here, Professor Jin?" Lan Jue gathered up his offered materials as he asked the woman, as ever close to his side.

Jin Yan huffed. "I thought you'd never ask. Because the authorities wish to protect the environment on Taihua, the East has created a special set of 'cautions' here. As a result things here are a little different, for tourism. The most common thing to do is go on a hike. You must rely entirely on your own feet to do so. We'll be passing through dense, old-growth forests. You also don't need to go too far – just enough to appreciate where we are. Take it easy, Professor Lan, everywhere we'll be going has been checked and surveyed. There is no danger."

Now Lan Jue understood. Originally he thought they'd be staying in a hotel. However, looking again at the goods in his arms, a hotel was not what was in store for them.

A single-person tent, a sleeping bag, a kettle, knife, telescope and MRE. Among a few other things, this was his basic survival kit. A walkabout. This certainly caught his interest.

A soldier in camouflage attire had been the one to give them their gear. He wore a squad leader badge on his shoulder. He looked to be in his thirties. He addressed this with a loud voice. "You have all now arrived at Planet Taihua. Please ensure you adhere to the planet's laws and regulations. In your kits, you've been given a heating unit. However, it does not employ an open fire. ANY use of fire in these forests is strictly prohibited. Also, teachers from the National Eastern University, please do not stray too far from the campsite. In a moment, we ask you to come and register your personal communicators with us. In this way, if you are in any danger we will be able to get to you promptly. We will also input our campsite's coordinates. So long as you ensure you are back here within five days, everything will go smoothly."

"If you're able, you are permitted to hunt and consume any wild animals you come across on Taihua. But do refrain from indiscriminate killing. Only kill what you're going to eat."

Hunting, too? Interesting indeed. Must be a special characteristic of Taihua.

Wu Junyi lent his own voice to the announcement. "Ok. Next, groups. When we're done, the groups are free to go their own way. The MREs you're carrying are enough to sustain you for five days, but if you're looking for wilder fare you'll have to rely on your own abilities. There are no toxic critters in the tour zone, so feel free to munch on whatever you can catch. However, they aren't going to lay down for you. Some animals are aggressive. When you're out there, keep an eye out and be careful. If any of you feel like the things that were given to you aren't enough, you're free to head to the lodge window and buy some more. Alright, let's split you all up."

Lan Jue looked at the window the teaching director had indicated. He wandered over for a look. The woman manning the place looked like any normal young girl. Spying the tall and handsome Lan Jue approaching, she smiled sweetly.

"What are you looking for?"

"Do you have flavoring?"

"Yup, we offer all sorts. It looks like this isn't your first foray in to the wilds. You've got some experience!" She smiled pleasantly, praising her newest customer.

Lan Jue looked over the inventory. Inwardly he was pleasantly surprised with the stock. As she said, they had pretty much anything he could want. But the prices… at least five times what you'd find on Skyfire. And as he just learned, Taihua didn't allow any food from the outside. The rations they were given weren't cheap either, about all the university could afford.

He stuffed his purchases in to his back and headed back. Returning to the fray, he came across Jin Yan, an odd look in her eyes.

"What is it, Professor Jin? Are the groups set?"

She nodded, and replied in quiet tones. "Professor Tan was chosen as our group leader."

"Ah? That savage lady?" Lan Jue was taken aback, and his volume was a smidge higher than he'd have liked. A few of the nearby teachers looked his way.

"Am I savage, or are you just garbage?" That hateful, familiar voice called out to him.

Lan Jue looked helplessly towards Tan Lingyun as she approached. Lan Jue attempted to recover. "What I meant –"

She cut him off with a disdainful sniff. "A waste of height and space. I hope you don't hold us up."

Lan Jue had nothing to say, and could only shrug his shoulders. The ghost of a smile cracked on Jin Yan's face.

Tan Lingyun moved to the side and began to organize her things. She smacked in to her shoulder in her passage.

"Director Wu."

Wu Junyi beamed a smile. "What is it, Professor Lan? Do you agree with your group assignment? Professor Tan is quite the looker, eh? 3"

Lan Jue smiled as well, but his was a forced one. "Deliberate, I suspect?"

Wu Junyi chuckled knowingly. "In fact she's a good woman. It's just that temper of hers. That little matter from before was really unfortunate. So, I decided to put you two together. I'm hoping this trip will help you two reconcile your differences. I've got a lot of faith in you, Professor! Every class of yours has more students than the one before. You're developing a very good reputation. I'm working in your corner at the university, and if you keep up these numbers you'll be a syndicated teacher in no time."

"Thank you very much." Once more, there wasn't anything Lan Jue could say. Things were as they were, and complaining about it wasn't going to do any good. Anyway, it was vacation. So long as he didn't provoke that psychotic woman, everything would be fine.

His group was more than just he and Professor Tan, of course. It also boasted Jin Yan, Wu Hongyuan, and four others. Two men and two women. The two other gentlemen were also, like them, electives teachers. The two women were mecha instructors. Four each, men and women. But, considering the addition of Professor Tan, the group was decidedly tilted in the ladies' favor. Judging by looks alone, it certainly didn't appear that the two male electives teachers were powerhouses.

It wasn't long after they finished orientating their communicators that Tan Lingyun started showing her leadership prowess. She shouted for her team to gather together.

Lan Jue was already there, beside Jin Yan. Still, he was trying his best to remain on the outskirts of their little expeditionary team.

"It's still early, and I'm sure you all had a good rest on the ship. Our goal is to get ten 'k' in to the forest and pitch camp. We'll rest for a bit afterward, then start looking for food. Any questions?" Her words entreated dialogue, but her tone didn't. Her sharp eyes pierced the gathered men specifically.

In trepidation of the Savage Goddess' reputation, the men of the group nearly tripped over each other to express their agreement with her plan. Lan Jue also nodded his approval. The other ladies were just as quick to acquiesce. It appeared as though the women as the mecha department were on good terms with Professor Tan. They've been at her side the whole time.

"Alright, then let's get going!" Tan Lingyun waved them onward, walking at the head of the pack. She made a direct line for the edge of the forest.

Jin Yan and Lan Jue took up the rear. As they followed, Lan Jue leaned in and spoke quietly to his fellow teacher. "Is this really supposed to be a vacation? It seems more like a military expedition!"

Jin Yan's laugh was low and constrained. "Professor Tan teaches mecha combat. She'd reputed to be an Emperor-Class pilot herself. She treats all her students like soldiers, so I guess it's a habit."

As expected, there were no paths or trails in the ancient forest. It was no problem, however, as the one who led them used her machete to make quick and violent work of any limb or vine that dared impede her path. Their forward progress wasn't hindered in the least. She was loud, coarse, and violent, but she'd chosen the most grueling task for herself.

Lan Jue followed along at a leisurely pace – after all, how fast could they go through a forest as dense as this?

This forest was considerably different from other indigenous forests Lan Jue had visited. For a start, there were far fewer insects than he'd expected. In large forests there were sure to be clouds of flying insects, but not here. The air was clean, fresh. The surrounding flora were enormous, towering towards the canopy, even the bushes. They did need to cut a path to follow, but in the end it wasn't too much trouble to do so.

The deeper they traveled in to the forests, the heavier the air became with fresh oxygen. With each breath Lan Jue was recovering from his injuries. He felt pretty good, all things considered.

After about two kilometers in to their trek, the discrepancies in the different teachers began to show. Professor Tan remained in front, full of vigor and vivaciousness. Behind her, the two other mecha instructors continued in similar fashion. The lack in physical preparedness of the electives teachers was becoming quite clear.

Jin Yan was already out of breath, while Lan Jue and Wang Hongyun were in better shape. The two other teachers in their department were already drenched in sweat, their breaths ragged. Were it not for that overriding fear of their group leader, the fellas would have cried for a rest long ago.

1. Fresh air is becoming a very large criteria for a nice place, considering the poor air quality they suffer in China.

2. He read the chapter title.

3. Sexism!

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Chapter 133: Fantascia Injection

Tan Lingyun shot a glance of her shoulder, her brows wrinkling at what she saw. "Take a break," she said, finally stopping.

The two male teachers and Jin Yan sighed, finally given quarter. They immediately sought places to sit and drink in the air with deep, gasping breaths.

Tan Lingyun extricated her canteen from her pack and took a swig, taking the time to peer at their surroundings. Her two female counterparts stood at either side of their impromptu leader. They were in cover formation, looking after the five electives teachers – very much in military fashion.

Wang Hongyuan settled beside Jin Yan. "How are you doing, Professor Jin? Sit a while and I'll help you up."

Jin Yan shook her head. "I'm fine. Though it looks like I really need to get in shape. I'm already tired after only this little while."

Wang Hongyuan frowned. "We've all been sitting in a ship for the past few hours. That's no rest. It's natural for the body to get exhausted. Leader Tan, it looks like we're in the neighborhood of a campsite. We're here on vacation, we shouldn't tire ourselves out so much. You three are mecha teachers, but us electives teachers are just normal people."

Tan Lingyun huffed at him. "Professor Jin I can understand, but you guys are also struggling? At this pace, we're barely moving. Even your average person shouldn't find this tiring. You all a bunch of soft-footed weaklings?"

"It's fine, it's fine. Professor Wang, I'm ok really." Jin Yan hurriedly pushed herself to her feet with the aid of Wang Hongyuan, stopping him from speaking further.

Their group leader approached regardless. Stopping in front of Jin Yan, her features softened perceptibly. "Professor Jin, are you really alright? If not we can ease up."

Jin Yan smiled thankfully. "I'm fine, honestly. Sadly our stamina really isn't where it should be. Perhaps, if possible, we shouldn't rush so much on the first day."

Tan Lingyun hesitated for just a moment, then nodded. "Five kilometers then, then we pitch camp. You guys can make it, yeah?"

Jin Yan turned her head to look at Lan Jue. Their 'etiquette teacher' stood nearby, hands stuffed in the pockets of his pants. He looked unfazed. Seeing her eyes dart his way, he shrugged. "I'm fine."

The two other gentlemen hurried to agree with Tan Lingyun's new plan.

At last Tan Lingyun swept her eyes towards Wang Hongyuan. "Gain a little masculinity, why don't you. And don't pull any of that 'orchid fingers' crap in front of me."1 She spoke to him, but her general displeasure was surely with all the men before her.

"You!" Wang Hongyun jabbed a finger angrily at her, but he couldn't help the dainty motions derived form years of dance training from creeping in to the motion. His face immediately reddened and he dropped his hand.

The other two women couldn't help but titter at the display.

There in the forest, none of those gathered could know that the satellites far above Taihua were picking up something more interesting than their squabble. Several small dark red dots appeared in their images, spreading out over Taihua and bathing it in dim light.

"Jin Tao, are you prepared?" Hua Li's question was solemn, serious.

The young man nodded. He was clad in only a pair of underpants, and sat within a nourishment pod. Maybe he really did have a problem with his head, because there was no sense of trepidation in him at all.

"Teacher, why are you always wearing that mask? Isn't that uncomfortable?" Jin Tao watched Hua Li, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Hua Li lifted the exceptionally large surgical tubing in his hand. "This kid… are you really an idiot or are you just pretending? You actually care about this shit right now?"

Jin Tao chuckled 2. "Wouldn't this count as my greatest ability, to remain calm? Fatty Tang got absolutely ruined, and Professor Lan said I would face greater risk. I know what's coming, and how hard it'll be to get passed it. But we have to face the things that scare us. If I'm relaxed, the nerves can't get to me."

Hua Li looked at him in utter amazement. "It's no wonder A-Jue chose you. You've got some real insight. Fine, I'll take the mask off and you can have a look." With that, he used his free hand to pluck the mask free, revealing his features.

"Ah!" Jin Tao cried out in alarm.

Hua Li took pride in the sudden reaction. He spoke with a quiet self-confidence. "What are you screaming about. You know me, eh?"

Jin Tao bobbed his head up and down like a chicken. "Y-y-y-your Poseidon, right? Ah man, you really are a good lookin fella. No wonder you're everyone's idol."

An infinitely suave smile spread across Hua Li's face. "Alright, time to lie back. Let's get started. The decoction will be absorbed in three steps. This is the first. The other two will be once a month."

"Oh." He settled back in the pod. "Teach… actually Poseidon, man. Hey, looking like that, you aren't actually a woman dressed as a man, are you? If you are, you'd probably fall for a handsome guy like me, huh!"

"Damnit!" Hua Li's pleasant smile was gone, dead on his face. He angrily scrunched his face and lifted his head, jabbing a finger pointedly at his neck. "Are you a moron?! You know what this is? YOU'RE a damn woman!" He slammed the lid of the nourishment pod shut, crushing Jin Tao in to a lying position.

The pod was full of a thick, transparent gel. Jin Tao lay within, eyes wide.

Hua Li took a few angry breaths. Finding some semblance of calm, he injected the contents of the nearby syringe in to the pod port, and jammed a button. Now that things were started, his face became calm. He carefully watched the pod for any changes.

"Jin Tao, relax your body. No matter how bad this hurts, you have to stay conscious. You absolutely must stay awake through the whole process. You need to feel every change in your body. Only this way will you make sure the Fantascia Genetica's effect reaches it's full potential. Your teacher wanted me to tell you.. if you persevere, stick to it, you'll come out a real man. Strong. A hero. If you don't… well, then you're doomed to life of mediocrity. A life where the disdain and disregard of others will follow you for the rest of your days. You understand what I'm saying?"

Jin Tao's smile faded, disappeared. He forced himself to nod, displacing the gel around him.

A myriad of luminescent colors began to appear within the gel. The injection of the decoction wasn't quick, but these spectral lights and colors quickly overtook the interior of the box.

At first, Jin Tao simply felt as though his body were going slightly numb, a sensation that appeared to be coming from all directions and affecting every part of him. The way he was settled in the pod, however, ensured his breathing wasn't affected.

Suddenly, in the next instant, he felt as though his very pores were sucking in oxygen from outside. It was a strange but wonderful sensation.

The sense of paralysis increased, slowly spreading throughout his form. As he looked on in shock, he noticed his body begin to quake and jerk uncontrollably. They were small at first, but as time went on they grew more and more severe. With it came the terrible sensation that he was being torn apart; his skin, his muscles, ripped away. From the inside out, it felt like he was being flayed alive.

But it wasn't pain, necessarily. It felt more like, the forces of energy that made up his being were being separated.

He groaned, as he felt his body suddenly go stiff as a board. He remained so for several seconds, with the nourishing gel surrounding him quivering with each tremble of his form.

Looking on, Hua Li saw him undergo a change. Thin white hairs were sprouting all over him, sprouting from every pore. His twitching mouth revealed elongated canines fighting past his lips.

It was his innate ability, brought to the surface. Cynanthropy.

Through the external forces that assailed him, Jin Tao's Discipline was reacting and manifesting on the surface. The fear was, with his abilities as weak as they were, could Jin Tao resist the dangers of the Western Alliance's greatest genetic manipulator?

Hua Li was glued to the pod, watching Jin Tao carefully, his every move and jerk. He adhered to Lan Jue's wishes, making this kid's safety his primary concern. He was also quite clear on the risks and suffering involved in playing with one's genetics. He himself was from the Western Alliance!

He could recall several times he'd witnessed the Fantascia Genetica decoction being used. Each time, the recipient was no less than a level five Talent. Jin Tao's was no greater than second level. More than just his discipline, it meant his physical endurance was also much weaker than was necessary. In the West, there was no way he would be permitted to use the decoction. He didn't have the strength, and failure meant terrible things.

But here he was, through virtue of some lucky star, given his chance at becoming great. Still the decoction would be given in three stages, and this was just the first. Indeed, his suffering would be great. His willpower would be the decided factor in victory or failure. If he failed he would have a nervous breakdown. All of his pain and efforts would be wasted. The priceless formula would be lost. All Hua Li could do was watch, and protect him from the worst of it.

The shaking became worse. His metamorphosis continued, and in the gel he became more and more dog-like. Streaks of blood escaped from his pores along with the dog hair.

However, despite what he was seeing, Hua Li was most surprised by what the instruments were telling him. Not only was this kid lucid, but he was taking the whole thing in stride! There were no dangerous fluctuations in his nervous pathways. On the contrary, there were hardly any fluctuations at all. This was indeed a very rare kind of willpower!

ζ

"Here at last." Li Wei was one of the other gentlemen in Lan jue's group. He plopped to the floor with a defeated sigh. He was done, any the end of the world wouldn't get him standing again. He fished his canteen from his pack and took several long gulps. He looked set to fall to pieces.

Five kilometers through a rainforest and five kilometers in the outside world were entirely different things. The terrain was uneven, sometimes high sometimes low. Though Tan Lingyun was in the font clearing a path, it was no picnic for them either. Li Wei was just a normal guy, and without any background in physical fitness it felt like he'd just spent half his life in energy reserves.

Tan Lingyun and the two other mecha instructors had already begun pitching their tents. They'd chosen to set up their spots on the periphery, creating a triangle. The other teachers would camp within.

Professor Tan had chosen well. A small brook gurgled nearby, and after a brief examination it was determined they could drink freely from it. For now, this was to be there campsite.

Lan Jue was also busying himself with erecting his tent. To him, it was quite a fun and relaxing activity. It didn't take long for him to finish up, and once he threw his sleeping bag in there he'd be ready to rest.

"I'm off to look for dinner. You all stay here, don't leave the triangle." Standing before them with her machete, Tan Longyun struck quite the commanding presence.

But before she left, something curious came over her. Without entirely knowing why, she jabbed her knife towards Lan Jue, who'd already finished with his tent. "You're coming with."

1. 'Orchid fingers' is a hand motion used in traditional Chinese dancing where the middle finger presses against the thumb, and the other fingers are splayed out, not unlike an orchid flower… ostensibly.

2. I love this kid.

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Chapter 134: Some Unknown Danger

"Me?" Lan Jue pointed a finger at his nose.

Tan Lingyun only grunted, then turned and started off. Lan Jue smiled wryly and followed.

Li Wei shuffled to Wang Hongyuan, who'd recently finished setting up his own tent, and grumbled towards him. "Professor Wang, you're right. Is this a trip or some sort of military survival training?"

Wang Hongyuan scowled. "This savage woman, she'll probably never find a husband."

Jin Yan furrowed her brow at the two men. "Don't be so malicious. She's a good woman! It's just what happened years ago…"

ζ

Lan Jue followed close on Tan Lingyun's heels as they made their way back in to the forests. The mecha instructor was in the lead, her pace slow. Her eyes swept along the brush, in constant motion.

"You look like you're in decent shape. Do you exercise?" She didn't look at him as she asked her question, continuing her earnest surveillance.

"Yeah," he replied. His response was brief, curt. He had no kindness prepared for this woman – the way she'd treated him earlier was unforgivable.

So Tan Lingyun just went on, talking to herself. "It's strange. I don't remember the wildlife on Taihua being this sparse. We're five kilometers in and we haven't seen anything."

"You've been here before?"

She nodded. "I come every year. Hunting's always permitted, the air is good, it's relaxing. It's a good way to reconnect with nature. By the way, what was your name? Flat-foot?"

Lan Jue considered silence, but went on. "Lan Jue. You can call me Professor Lan, or my full name if you must. You've probably hated men your whole life, huh. Something must've happened."

Tan Lingyun stopped, and spun suddenly to face him. She nearly speared Lan Jue to a tree with her cutting stare. "Shut. Your. Mouth."

Lan Jue only smiled indifferently in the face of her anger. "If you're so predisposed to hating guys, why'd you make me come along?"

Tan Lingyun hissed chillingly at him. "I needed a pack mule. Stay here, and don't move. I'll take a look around."

She hefted her machete, and stuck it in to the trunk of a nearby tree. She shut her eyes. After a moment, a faint green light began to emanate from her.

As the viridian halo expanded Lan Jue was surprised to discover that she had begun to completely blend in with her surroundings. Hm? What was this Discipline? Despite all Lan Jue's experience, he couldn't guess her Discipline at a glance. The dim light she was releasing was gentle, almost cozy. Her own aura vanished, and it seemed she was almost a tree or shrub herself – not a woman at all.

It was no surprise she liked it here. It appeared her Discipline somehow had a connection with nature. Considering his unfortunate run-in with her before, perhaps physical power as well. So was it that power?

As Lan Jue was lost in his thoughts, Tan Lingyun's eyes suddenly shot open. Shock shone brightly within them.

"They're afraid!"

"Whose afraid?" Lan Jue asked, inquisitively.

"Everything." Tan Lingyun's voice had grown perceptibly softer. "All of them, all the plants here are afraid. At my level of cultivation I can feel the mood of every living thing within three thousand meters. There isn't a single wild animal in that diameter, just plants. Not coming across any wildlife on our trip out here could be written off as a coincidence, but nothing in three kilometers? There's something wrong. Quick, let's head back."

She grabbed Lan Jue, and the two raced back to the campsite.

Lan Jue felt an intense power coming from her hand, and suddenly he felt himself literally being dragged through the air. The physical power exuded from Tan Lingyun expanded and enveloped him within it, like a protective shield. Any plant or insect that was unfortunate enough to draw near was cast away in their wake. He feared even trees wouldn't be able to stand against them.

This…

Lan Jue didn't speak. But if he had to describe the situation, visually it was like flying a kite. He was the kite.

"Base, come in. This is NEU Group Seven Leader Tan Lingyun. There's something strange going on, come in." As Tan Lingyun dragged Lan Jue behind her, she called in to the communicator on her wrist.

"Hello Group Leader. What is it?" A calm voice answered.

She responded, her voice low. "We're five kilometers in to the forest. Trekking in we didn't come across any wildlife. I used my discipline to search, and found nothing. There's definitely something going on here, requested satellite survey immediately. We're heading back to the encampment."

"No wildlife? Alright, we'll take a look. We'll let the other groups know. Come on back. Be careful on the return trek. We'll send out a reinforcement recon team, they'll link up with the coordinates on your communicator."

"Roger."

Lan Jue was not enjoying being the kite. However he had to admire Tan Lingyun's handling of the situation. She was certainly a competent mecha instructor. From the instant she discovered something wrong, her responses were clear, calculated and not in the least wasteful.

They had not gone out far, so by the time her report was finished they were already back at the campsite. Her hand shook, and Lan Jue tumbled to the floor. She called out to the others.

"Alright everyone we're breaking camp and moving out now. There's something wrong out here. Drop all excess weight, we're only bringing solid foods. Hurry it up!"

By this time all the tents had been constructed. The physically beat electives teachers were already resting within. Tan Lingyun's sudden and vocal declaration took them all by surprise.

The other two mecha instructors rushed to her side. "Lingyun, what is it?"

"I don't know yet. There isn't any wildlife in these rainforests, I checked. The plants are also giving off a palpable fear. There must be some unknown danger. We have to rush back to base camp. And then immediately back to Skyfire. No delay."

"How do you know this isn't some guess or mistake on your part?" Wang Hongyuan glared at her, rising from the interior of his tent.

That withering gaze she wielded so well fell upon the dance instructor. "It is a guess. But it's well-founded. We have to get out of here. As group leader I have to keep the safety of the group as my first concern."

"Professor Wang, I believe her. Let's get out of here first, then we'll see. I also feel like something isn't right." Lan Jue felt the need to interject.

Lan Jue's sudden agreement was unexpected, and Tan Lingyun shot him a curious glance.

"You?!" Wang Hongyuan barked suddenly at him like a dog who'd had his tail trampled. "And what are you? Just some new face, fresh and worthless. Why don't you just PISS. OFF!"

"Professor Wang! What are you saying?!" By this time Jin Yan had also left her tent and, seeing Wang Hongyuan address Lan Jue this way, couldn't help but shout angrily at him.

The dance teacher only shot her a hateful glare, and stomped back in to his tent.

A dangerous glint flickered through Tan Lingyun's eyes. She turned to speak to the two other female teachers. "Get them out of here. Now!" She didn't wait for an answer, she was already making for Wang Hongyuan's tent. She flicked her wrist, the machete in her palm glinting ominously.

Rrrrip! A great tear appeared in the side of Wang Hongyuan's tent.

"You b*tch! I've tolerated you long enough!" The man's tittery voice screeched from the entrance. Then, a figure emerged from newly created opening.

A clawed hand reached out, grabbing at the knife in Tan Lingyun's hand.

"Wha-?" She cried out in surprise and retreated a step. She yanked her wrist to free it from his grip. Her left hand curled in to a fist, a punched at the origin of the hand.

The moment she threw that punch, Lan Jue felt a powerful wave of energy expanding outward from the attack.

Bang! A muffled thud preceded Wang Hongyuan unceremoniously tumbling from the tent. Tan Lingyun stood in the same spot, looking down at him. The only change in her was five white marks on her knuckles.

The dance instructor was a sight different than normal, now. Long, sharp nails had extended from each of his fingertips. His face had grown pale, stretching longer and more slender than before. His effeminate aura was gone, replaced with an unsettling chill.

"An adept? Your power has a darkness to it…" Tan Lingyun's features were confused, almost trembling, as she looked on his hideous face.

Wang Hongyuan's voice had become higher still, screechy. "Tan Lingyun, you're a powerful woman. I didn't want to strike out at you. But the way you speak, the things you say, and this groundless assumption of danger to make us retreat. We're here on vacation! Nothing else. If you want to leave, then go, but don't drag us electives teachers behind you like mules! I have power enough to protect myself!"

Jin Yan was also shocked, looking at the change that had overcome Wang Hongyuan. She hadn't realized that this man she came across every day, greeted in the office, and sat beside was in fact an adept. And a powerful one at that, it appeared.

The only one who didn't appear surprised at the revelation was the man standing a few short meters away: Lan Jue.

They couldn't see it, but how could he not recognize Wang Hongyuan's hidden powers? Lan Jue's own thunderbolt Discipline was in direct opposition to such dark powers. So, the moment he met Wang Hongyuan he felt the energies pulsing from him. Wang Hongyuan may not know about Lan Jue's own powers, but the fact that they were opposed meant they were destined to dislike one another from the start.

Tan Lingyun dropped her arm. "Now that I know you're an adept, that's better. I don't want to sit here and argue with you – you're right, we're here on vacation. Still, safety has to be our primary concern. If in the end we find there indeed was no danger, I'll happily accept whatever punishment the school sees fit to levy against me. But, right now, I am the group leader, and you must listen to me. We're leaving right – now."

"And if I don't want to?" Wang Hongyuan challenged.

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Chapter 135: The Violet Creature

Tan Lingyun laughed scornfully. "Men only care about face. If you can beat me, then you go ahead and be group leader." Suddenly, without any further discussion she launched herself at Wang Hongyuan. Like a great bird of prey, she lashed out at the twisted man.

As her figure rose in to the air, that sensation of gathering energy returned anew. It surrounded her like the moments before an explosion.

Lan Jue's conjectures were finally confirmed, and he knew her ability; Sapurnatural!

It was an exceedingly rare and equally special Discipline to possess. It allowed her to employ the energies of the environment around her – any environment – to augment her own physical abilities. Even in the vacuum of space she'd be able to draw the radiation of the universe in to herself, making her stronger. It meant no matter where she found herself in a fight, she was ready to manipulate the environment to her advantage. She was never not on home turf.

This was the first time Lan Jue had encountered someone with a real Supernatural Discipline. He'd heard that, fifty years ago, there once was a Paragon with such an ability. Though he eventually suffered his own downfall, in his prime he was among the most powerful people to ever live.

This ability of hers explained how she was able to communicate with the land around her, to feel the fear she claimed the plants were feeling. Hers was clearly a very powerful ability. She had spread her power out through the environment, becoming one with it. So it wasn't merely her, but everything around them, that gave her such capabilities.

Wang Hongyuan stood directly in the face of her onslaught, unmoving. He spread his arms, and two large black wings extended from his back. They beat once, and suddenly he was at Tan Lingyun's side. His clawed hands reached for her shoulders.

This was a conflict, but his attacks were measured. He wasn't aiming to kill her. Tan Lingyun was surprised at the sudden shift, her reaction slow. Just slow enough for Wang Hongyuan to get her in his grasp.

The man's pride was suddenly upset when he got the sudden sensation he was holding some indestructible metal thing. As his hands found their mark, Tan Lingyun's shoulder reversed, slamming directly in to his chest.

His reaction was swift, dropping his chest and collapsing his abdomen. The wings at his back beat furiously. He looked for a moment as though he were flying upside down, but in fact it was just the speed of his retreat that caused the illusion. It wasn't a solid hit, but he still felt the spasm in the pit of his stomach.

Sure enough, this was the power of the Savage Goddess. Wang Hongyuan felt a tremor of fear snake through him. He knew he was no weak thing, but the abilities this woman possessed were far beyond his own.

Tan Lingyun grunted. She reached a hand out towards him, her fist squeezing in the air. Wang Hongyuan felt, moments later, as though the very space around him was condensing. The speed he took so much pride in was being sapped away.

The Savage Goddess took a deep breath. The fresh green aura that surrounded her bloomed to life in a dazzling display, As it did, it congealed at her back to reveal an enormous viridian phantasm. The towering beast raised it's hand, and sent it crashing down towards the black-winged electives instructor.

Boooom!

Lan Jue unconsciously winced, shutting his eyes. It was like Wang Hongyuan was little more than a fly, smooshed by a giant invisible swatter. He crumpled to the ground.

The green light around her faded. She turned her head to look at the rest of them. "Anyone else want to give it a shot?"

Not a peep.

Tan Lingyun's growling voice continued. "We are leaving. Now. Back to base camp." She gave no further room for argument. Jin Yan yelped as their group leader unceremoniously threw her over her shoulder. The two other electives teachers were then caught in her grip, one hand for each. Just like that, she was off at a good pace.

The two other mecha instructors hastened to follow. Lan Jue took one look at Wang Hongyuan, then followed their lead.

"Professor Tan, what are we going to do about Professor Wang?" Jin Yan asked, bouncing against Tan Lingyun's back.

"Relax," she said, "He's a stubborn one. He'll be fine. He'll be coming along shortly I'm sure."

Lan Jue remained in the back. Secretly he harbored criticisms, for although Wang Hongyuan's vampiric discipline was indeed one hard to kill, that slap he'd received definitely wasn't gentle! Poor guy…

Not along after the others left – a few minutes perhaps – Wang Hongyuan finally managed to pull himself up. The ground below him was actually indented with an outline of his body.

So recently devastated by his opponent, the pride and arrogance had left the man's eyes. It was replaced with a clear sense of anxiety, doubt.

"An eighth ranked Talent? That woman's actually that strong?"

He ground his teeth. With a few beats of his leathery wings, he was off chasing after the others.

ζ

A great, earth-shaking boom tore across the horizon, not long after Lan Jue and his party had begun their escape.

Hooooouuhhmm! From the depths of the rainforest, a blinding red light arose. Within it was an oval, a massive scarlet cocoon. Where it made landfall, the area around it has also turned a strange sort of violet. An unhealthy-looking fog of similar color snaked close to the ground.

A small animal, some strange nameless beast, made it's way over from a distance. In the grips of curiosity it stumbled in to the mist, but the moment the strange tendrils touched it, it's hair began to fall out. Then skin, muscle, organs, and finally bones. It dissolved in to a primordial ooze. With the creatures death a faint red light wafted from it, which was drawn in to the nearby cocoon and vanished.

Brrrrmmm! A low growl emitted from the strange object. The cocoon swelled larger, reaching outward, then returned to normal.

Pffftt. The ratting release of air followed, and then a blade-thin object jabbed out from within it. As the egg was pierced, a flood of thick violet fluid was excreted.

Again and again the oval was pierced, shredded, as though some enormous beast was trying to cut it's way free.

Scenes very similar to this one were occurring throughout Taihua's pristine rainforests.

Lan Jue ran after the group ahead of him. But as he did, a strange sensation came over him and he lifted his eyes to the sky. The dense vegetation cover made it indistinct, but it was clear that somehow in the last few moments the sky had grown dark. An ethereal grey hue crept across the planet.

Tan Lingyun's judgments were correct. There was definitely something happening here.

Lan Jue deliberately began to slow his pace, falling back from the others. He raised his left hand, and pointed the shimmering green ring on his pinky fingers towards the forest. The green light within shot out in to the leafy depths.

"What's up with you, out of strength?" Tan Lingyun had turned around to call back at him.

"Huh? No, I'm fine. Coming." Lan Jue quickly shouted back, and picked up the pace.

Eeee! Eeee! Eeee! Just then, the ear-splitting screeches of an alarm were issued from the communicators of each teacher's wrist.

"Red alert, red alert. Taihua has come under attack from an unidentified source. All tourists make your way to the quickest base camp as quickly as possible. Repeat, red alert…"

The alarm confirmed, without a doubt, Tan Lingyun's suspicions. The two electives teachers who's earlier struggled to keep up found no such troubles now. As they raced along, panic was written clear as day on their faces.

ζ

Aaaaaahhh! A shrill cry suddenly filled the air. The sound caused Wu Junyi's face to slacken.

He dropped in to a slight crouch, then sprung in to the air. He effortlessly soared a dozen meters before pulling himself against the top of a towering tree.

He saw the scene unfold, not far away. A scowl carved lines in his face.

An enormous creature stood in the forests. It's violet figure was perhaps ten meters tall, with three heads and six razor-sharp wings. It stood on four enormous, sturdy legs. It's abdomen was a layered field of magenta, alternating in intensity. It's torso was triangular, and from the sides six great arms like a mantis' claws swept at the air like vicious scythes. The articulated pincers were each seven meters long, and as Wu Junyi looked on, the beast cleared a ten meters area of land around it with them. The giant, sturdy trees were felled like butter before a warm knife.

More unsettling than it's appearance was the mist that was expelled from it. The violet wisps changed everything it came in to contact with, tinting them that same sickly color. Any plant or animal that came in to contact with it immediately withered and died. Whatever it was, the mist devoured whatever life it touched. From where he watched, Director Wu could see a figure, human, lying on the ground as the mist crept over. A teacher, and before his eyes they melted away under the noxious cloud.

"Bastard!" Wu Junyi shouted at the monstrous thing in a rage. His curled fists rose nearly of their own accord and beat against his chest. He brazenly roared, and leapt from the tree.

Wu Junyi's normally unimpressive stature swelled as he soared towards the beast. His clothes split and fell away, and before long the teaching director had become a towering, six-meter tall baboon.

His entire body was covered in a dark copper light, and each hair stood on end. His arms were particularly strong, and they reached out as he shot like a cannonball towards the creature.

"Go, hurry! Get back to camp and board the plane!" Wu Junyi's thunderous voice echoed across the rainforests. Nearby instructors almost tumbled over themselves to flee.

Roughly half of the teachers who'd arrived for the trip taught electives. Most possessed no real combat abilities. And though the others were mecha instructors, naturally none brought mechas with them on vacation!

Now, all they could do was run around like headless chickens.

The mantis-like monstrosity spied Wu Junyi barreling towards it through the air. It's six razor-like appendages lashed out at him.

"Raaaaaggghh!!" The enormous baboon howled threateningly, bashing his fists against his chest. As he careened nearer, a dull golden light fired out from him. As it crashed against the beast's pincers, they were cast away. Unimpeded, Wu Junyi headed straight for the monster's three hideous heads.

But the mantis-beast was surprisingly nimble, it's four legs strong. It sidestepped and avoiding the attack.

Boom! Wu Junyi crashed to the ground instead. His two strong legs carved deep trenches where he made landfall.

Clank, chink, screech! A series of metallic squeals arose. The beast had made a move of it's own, and was swiping murderously at Wu Junyi's back.

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Chapter 136: Thor's Watch

Under the mantis-creature's assault, Director Wu did not react. In truth his own powers were far and away a match for the beast. Strike after strike from it's scythe-like arms left no trace on the baboon's body.

Without looking back, Wu Junyi's powerful legs grew taught, then launched him backwards against his attacker.

Crack! Snap! Two of the mantis-creature's six arms broke and fell away. It reeled back, tumbling away from the impact.

King Kong, a baboon metamorphosis. This was Wu Junyi's Discipline. Director of the Teaching Department, and eight ranked Talent. He was among the best Adepts the school possessed.

One rippling arm supported him against the ground, pushing him up to somersault back in to action. In the blink of an eye he was striking once again at the monstrous intruder. It was startled by his ferocity, but it's reaction was quick nonetheless. Fending off the great baboon, six great wings unfurled from it's back and pushed it into the air.

Wu Junyi scowled at the unpleasant discovery. The damn thing could fly! Already he could feel a sort of numbness creeping up through his body, a result of the strange violet mist the monster was releasing. Whatever it was, it was clearly intensely toxic. For the moment, he was able to mostly isolate the poisons from affecting him, but it's effects would grow stronger the more of his discipline he expended.

The King Kong Baboon couldn't fly, but this didn't mean he was out of options against flying opponents. Wu Junyi had spent decades cultivating and understanding his powers. Both his strengths and weaknesses – and how to overcome them – were very clear to him.

"Aaaagghhoooo!" He roared towards the heavens, spreading his arms wide and baring his chest. Suddenly, he twisted back, preparing for something. In the same instant, a dim golden orb congealed in his left palm. He twisted back around ,and flung the shimmering projectile like a canon ball.

The mantis-creature had suffered significantly already under Wu Junyi's attacks. Though it was held aloft by it's wings, the injuries it had sustained made maneuvering more difficult. It couldn't get out of the way fast enough, and the golden orb collided in a direct hit.

Booommmm! The rumbling thunder of impact echoed through the forests. The monster fell to ground, reduced to countless smoldering pieces.

Wu Junyi did not stop to bask in victory. Immediately he was racing towards his teachers. There was no way of knowing how many of the things were still out there. He had to protect his people.

He had made relatively quick work of it, but still a haze of anxiety and depression filled him. There were forty teachers, separated in to various groups. Luckily his own had him to protect them, but what of the others? Lingyun's group may be fine, but the other three…

ζ

Tan Lingyun raced ahead of the others at break-neck speed. As she did, her perception was expanded outward to read the changes in the environment. She couldn't stop for the quiet necessary to feel vast distances, but her Supernatural Discipline allowed her to maintain a five hundred meter diameter around them without issue.

Suddenly, somewhere to her right, she sensed the appearance of a fierce and violent thing. It moved with incomparable speed. Just as she was preparing to react, however, the presence vanished as quickly as it had come. She was decidedly unsettled by the situation. But, she didn't stop, couldn't stop – she just kept going.

ζ

Overhead, a gigantic blue figure raced by like a bolt of lightning, a dangerous-looking spear in hand. It was racing towards another monstrous violet beast. This one was more akin to a scorpion. It was perhaps fifty meters long, but facing the mighty blue figure it might as well have been an toy. The stench of something burning wafted from the creature's body. Like the other, a purplish-red mist oozed from it, killing the surrounding wildlife. But it simply snaked around the enormous newcomer, having no effect.

Suddenly that bolt-like blue spear was in flight, cutting a deadly path towards the scorpion, then pinning it to the ground. As it did, the blue figure was in motion. A dazzling, dangerous blue light shone from it's head to fan out in a semi-circle. A moment later, it vanished like a bolt of lightning in to the distance.

ζ

Lan Jue followed close behind Tan Lingyun, his brows furrowed. Flickering bolts of electricity raced just behind his eyes.

It was Thor who tore through the heavens around them, called forth by Lan Jue through Thor's Promise. The ring allowed him to communicate with his mecha, not unlike the spirit-caller gem he used with Qianlin. Everything the suit saw, Lan Jue did too. He could see the horrendous things, and the damage they were dealing.

Like Junyi, his priority was the safe evacuation of all those on the planet. He made sure Thor was there to watch, and protect.

Luckily they hadn't entered too deep in to the rainforests before things went south. In fact, Tan Lingyun's group had been the one to venture farthest in. The various teachers were still relatively fresh, so their retreat was a speedy one.

"We made it!" The base camp spread out before them. Finally, the slightest sense of relief crept in to Tan Lingyun's heart. They rushed forward towards it, and spied a host of uniformed soldiers rushing to the forests around them. They each carried laser weapons, and spread out to face the encroaching threat.

"You all don't have any heavier artillery?" Lan Jue grabbed a passing soldier to ask.

"No, the soldier responded with a wry smile, "the environmental restrictions mean no artillery emplacements. We're restricted from using any high-yield weaponry here. Machinery, too, like mechas. All we got is what we can carry."

"Then don't go rushing out on a fool's errand," Lan Jue said, "Whatever the hell these things are, they're strong. You'll need mechas if you want to stand a chance at wiping them out. Just pull everyone back."

The soldier reacted with a hard stare. "Our obligation is the safety of the public. There are still many tourists who haven't made it back. It's our job to go out and protect them." With that, the soldier raced in to the jungle. However, a few feet in to the dense overgrowth he stopped. He turned back towards Lan Jue.

"Hey guy… thanks for the concern. I hope we have an opportunity to meet again."

With that, he snapped to attention, and raced off in to the jungle.

Lan Jue's eyes followed him as he disappeared in to the trees. This was the quality of the East's soldiers. They were full of pride, almost arrogance, but an arrogance born of their life of service. Their pride was worthy of respect.

"Hurry, get on the ship!" The commanding voice brought him back to the present. He was suddenly wrenched around by a powerful hand. The scenery around him went lopsided, pulled through the air by Tan Lingyun until they arrived at the ship's loading doors.

"Hurry up, no wasting time. Get on the plane and wait for evac." Tan Lingyun's pretty face was hard and serious. She released Lan Jue from her grip, then raced off to find more teachers.

"Professor Lan, hurry and get on." Jin Tan's timid voice called from behind him. Lan Jue turned to see her already on board, urgently waving for him to follow.

Lan Jue took a deep breath. He watched the teachers racing towards the ship, then decided to board as well. The interior of their transport was nearly as chaotic as the outside. Nearly a dozen teachers had already arrived, They panted and stammered about what was happening outside.

Lan Jue returned to the seat that took him here. He shut his eyes, reaching his consciousness out to Thor.

Thor's advantage lied largely with it's speed. It's power and rapid response ensured that most of the NEU's teachers returned, more scared than hurt. In around twenty minutes, more or less all of the remaining teachers had found their way back.

But Lan Jue could see others, tourists from other parts of the East who'd come to sample Taihua's beauty. There were ten other sites like their own encampment, with perhaps a hundred other ships parked about. That meant there could be another ninety thousand tourists still running for their lives.

Worse, from Thor's vantage, that ominous magenta coloration had spread to cover almost the entire planet.

It was a disaster… not just for the Eastern Alliance, but a true catastrophe for all of mankind.

"Our obligation is the safety of the public." The soldier's words – likely his last – rang in his ears. He looked like he was young, in his early twenties perhaps. There was a resolution in his smile. He had been calm, and arrogant, as he ran headlong to his death.

Obligation!

Lan Jue's eyes shot open. Fixed in determination, he shot to his feet and made for the door. As he reached the exit, a clearly dumbfounded Wang Hongyuan was just boarding.

"Where are you going?" He looked at Lan Jue in a shocked curiosity.

"To help," he replied softly.

"To help? And just how can you help?" The dance instructor's voice was thick with scorn.

Lan Jue stepped out of the way and let him enter. "However I can. There are still many, many people who haven't returned."

He didn't wait for any more of Wang Hongyuan's doubts, and ran towards the forests.

The haughty man watched him go. He shook his head as a strange feeling overcame him. Is this guy crazy? He thought. He's actually running in to the forest. What the hell is he going to do?

And yet he didn't move, fixed at the cabin entrance. He watched as Lan Jue slowly disappeared in to the distance.

He's for real… not just for show? He was genuinely surprised. In a flash, he was racing down the steps and after the etiquette instructor.

"Where are you going?" The hard voice shouted at him from nearby. He slid to a stop and turned a dark glare towards Tan Lingyun. "You've done enough! This is not the time for your nonsense. Professor Lan just ran off in to the forest, going to help more people. I'm going to make sure he doesn't get himself killed."

"What?!" Tan Lingyun stamped her foot in anger. "Who the hell does that waste of space think he can help? All he's doing is bringing trouble by not staying on the ship like instructed! Don't just stand there, go drag his ass back here!"

Wang Hongyuan grunted. He was off again, following Lan Jue's footsteps in to the rainforests.

Tan Lingyun wasted no further time in speculation over these events. She was off in another direction. There were others to bring back.

Gradually the remaining teachers were gathered together, returning with Wu Junyi. Upon seeing Tan Lingyun, he stopped her. "What's going on," he said, "what state is your group in?"

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Chapter 137: Peace of mind

Tan Lingyun spat her report. "They're all back. All but that Lan Jue. I don't know what his problem was, he said he wanted to help and ran out in to the forest. I sent Wang Hongyuan after him. Oh, right – and it turns out our dance instructor is a powerful adept. His discipline is vampirism and darkness. Around level seven. I don't think he'll have any problems."

"Alright. Get on the ship, do a headcount. When we're all together we're on the move. We need to get the hell out of here. Suddenly this place is crawling with monsters. It's unclear where they came from, but they release some sort of poison that eats away at everything it touches. The one I encountered was comparable to a level six adept.

"Got it." Tan Lingyun nodded and made her way in to the cabin. She busied herself with settling the teachers and counting how many remained.

Ten minutes later Wu Junyi joined them.

"Lingyun, how many?" He asked the mecha instructor.

"Including the two of us," she said, "thirty seven. Three are missing. Wang Hongyuan and Lan Jue aren't back yet. There's only one entirety unaccounted for."

Wu Junyi's eyes were heavy with regret. "That teacher's dead, killed by the monster's poison. Now we're just waiting for the other two to get back. Have you tried their communicators?"

Tan Lingyun growled angrily. "These two morons. Their coms are turned off. I haven't been able to reach them."

Wu Junyi felt his heart tighten. "We're out of time. Just now I spotted another one of those things headed our way. Get the flight crew to prep lift-off. I'll go get those two, and you bring the rest back to Skyfire." He nearly leapt from the cabin entrance to go search for the others.

"Director, wait a moment," Tan Lingyun called after him.

"Huh?" He stopped and turns his head back to look at her. Suddenly the world was spinning, and when he got his bearings, he was smashing against the interior cabin wall.

"I'm sorry, Director. When I get back you can expect my formal apology. But those two belonged to my group, and I'm responsible for their safety. Hurry and bring the others safely back home." Her voice grew quiet with every word, as she shouted back at him while running towards the tree line.

"This damn woman!" Wu Junyi was livid, but there was no time to chase after her and argue. Standing at the cabin hatch he could see that magenta light creeping upon the horizon.

He looked back at the teachers behind him; scared, tired, and still in danger. He stomped a foot in impotent anger. "Close the doors! We're getting out of here."

Wu Junyi was the Teaching Director. He cared for each of his teachers, but he had to keep the health and safety of the majority in mind. Right now, he had no other choice: Getting most of his employees to safety was the other thing he could do.

ζ

Lan Jue tore through the forests. Flickering bolts of electricity snaked just behind his eyes. Thor's Promise glowed upon the pinky finger of his left hand, calling out to the massive mecha.

Lan Jue's condition meant he had to rely on his control over Thor. That would be his greatest chance at combat effectiveness. Even now, the sapphire mecha was defending a group of tourists from two alien beasts. It would be a moment before it could come fetch it's master.

"You idiot, head back to the ship! What do you think you can do for these people?" The angry voice shouted at him from behind. Someone grabbed the collar of his shirt.

"Let go! You've already got enough enemies, don't give me a reason to kick your ass," Lan Jue snarled.

"You, beat me?" Wang Hongyuan only laughed. "You have your own problems too. Ever since you got here Jin Yan hasn't given me the time of day. It's I who should beat the piss out of you."

Wang Hongyuan stopped when he felt his grasping hand suddenly go numb. Before him Lan Jue's body became indistinct, then vanished. He reappeared five meters away.

"You're an adept?" Wang Hongyuan stared at him in surprise.

How could he not be? Ever since Lan Jue had arrived at the college Wang Hongyuan had been furtively watching him. But in the time since he'd felt no evidence of Discipline from him. He assumed he was just a normal man. Only now, in this moment, was his power revealed. For him to be capable of hiding his abilities for so long – not only from Wang Hongyuan but from everyone… he didn't know what it meant.

There were only two possibilities. Perhaps Lan jue's Discipline was specifically tailored towards concealment. Or, perhaps, he was that much stronger than Wang Hongyuan himself.

Lan Jue regarded him calmly, and spoke in a quiet voice. "Please return to the ship, Professor Wang. I have no interest in Professor Jin, just a normal working relationship. How you feel about her is your business, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't vent your anger on me in the future. Right now Taihua is experiencing a crisis, and I can't in good conscience turn tail and flee. I need to go and help those who are still in danger. When you do return, I ask that you keep my secret."

He truly did not like Wang Hongyuan in the least, but whatever the man's attitude towards him he'd chased after Lan Jue to ensure his safety. When it came to making the right moral decision, Professor Wang had made the proper choice. His estimation of the man had risen considerably as a result.

"What can you, one person, do?" Wang Hongyuan shot back, anger written on his face.

Lan Jue smiled at him in reply. "Sometimes a single person's power simply isn't enough. But if we all thought that way, we'd only ever be able to suffer problems – not rise against them. I don't know how much I can accomplish, but by doing what I can at least I wont have any regrets. Peace of mind."

Lan Jue rose in to the air, surrounded by electrical flashes of light. They flickered, and suddenly he was soaring towards the recesses of the forest.

Wang Hongyuan stood frozen, staring blankly at the space where the man had been. Lan Jue's words fought through his stubborn head, and suddenly he stomped a foot. A strange red light crept up through his eyes. His right hand rose, and fished a necklace out from within his collar. He yanked viciously, snapping the chain.

He slowly stretched out his hand, and revealed the pendent therein. More accurately, it was a ring – silver, with a blood red gemstone set within it. It was no ruby, for as he watched it pulsed with a gentle red light.

Wang Hongyuan solemnly slipped the ring onto the index finger of his left hand. He lifted his arm high overhead.

A column of red light burst towards the heavens, and where it passed space seemed to ripple. Lan Jue, not far off, felt the powerful wave bloom behind him. He turned his face back in surprise in time to see the beam fire off in to space.

As he watched, a sanguine-colored figure slowly appeared from the light, growing to enormous proportions.

A mecha, it's body a shimmering blood red, rose perhaps eighteen meters in to the sky. It was slender, and from it's back flowed a scarlet cloak. It fluttered with the wind, composed of some unknown material that flowed like a waterfall of blood. The whole thing emitted a cocoon of crimson light.

The sanguine mecha was joined with two black halos. They were seamless, and where the mecha stood it was as though they sucked the surrounding light within them. It made everywhere the machine passed appreciably darker.

A beam of red light shown down on it from the heavens. Within it, his bat-like wings beating against the wind, Lan Jue spied Wang Hongyuan making his way towards the mecha's open cockpit.

An emperor-class mecha?

Lan Jue knew instinctively the class of mecha by virtue of his experience. What he did not expect was that Wang Hongyuan was actually capable of piloting one. It meant he, too, was likely emperor-ranked.

"You aren't the only one who can display gallantry," Wan Hongyuan muttered. His voice sounded like it was right by Lan Jue's ear, carried by a beam of red light.

A small smile spread across the contours of Lan Jue's face. He stretched out his right hand, giving the distant mecha a big thumbs up. "A true man, Professor Wang."

"You're still looking to get thrashed?" Wang Hongyuan shot back, indignant. "Hurry up. If you want to help stop wasting time talking nonsense. It looks like mine is the only mecha on this planet anyway…"

As the final syllable left his lips, the red mecha shuddered to life and lifted it's head. A dazzling blue light met it's assertions with a thunderous boom, crashing to the floor not thirty meters from where Wang Hongyuan stood.

"Two mechas." Lan Jue's smile turned in to a self-satisfied smirk. An azure blue light burst from the center of Thor's chest and enveloped Lan Jue.

Wang Hongyuan only saw the polished blue surface undulate somewhat, then both Lan Jue and that beam were gone.

The guy actually brought a mecha also? And using space technology power gems. This mecha…

Wang Hongyuan was rather proud of his own mecha, Idoloclast. But his own thin, eighteen-meter mecha looked minute next to the twenty-two meter beast beside it.

Bolts of undulating lightning snaked up Thor's conductive surface. It's very presence was almost stiflingly oppressive. Waves of powerful energy came and went from it like the tide. The world around it seemed to warp from the unstable energies it released.

This… this can't be…

Wang Hongyuan stared slackjawed at the towering Thor.

"Professor Wang, let's get going. No time to waste. Follow me!" Lan jue's powerful voice echoed forth from Thor. In a flash of light, the sapphire mecha was barreling in to the distance.

Wang Hongyuan was nearly struck dumb in amazement, but he did as instructed and urged Idoloclast in to flight.

"Incoming communication." The mecha's A.I. filled Idoloclast's cockpit, and Wang Hongyuan answered.

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Chapter 138: Army of Two

"It looks like you've been hiding a lot from us, Professor Wang! We had an emperor-class mecha pilot teaching dance at our school, right under our noses. Who'd have imagined." Lan Jue's easy, flippant face appeared in Idoloclast's cockpit.

Wang Hongyuan's response was less friendly. "And you've been totally forthcoming? At any rate I'm teaching something that actually has some use, something I can't say for your 'etiquette' class. And this mecha, what, god-class?"

Lan Jue chortled. "You make it tough to like you, but no matter what if we can bring things in line here I'll count you as a friend. Let's move out!" As he said so, a sweeping blue light shot out from Thor's head in to the distance.

"Acquiring radar detection information." A metallic voice once more called to Wang Hongyuan. He immediately began the data download.

The main screen flashed to life with the wide-area probe results. The situation as it was, Wang Hongyuan couldn't spare the time to keep marveling at Thor's capabilities, though they weren't lost on him. He focused on the numerous magenta spots that dotted the screen. How many were there? At least a thousand, according to Thor's long-range scanners.

"Don't separate farther than one kilometer. If we want to help others, we have to make sure to protect ourselves first." Lan Jue's easy voice had turned serious by this point. Suddenly, Thor was off like a lightning bolt towards the nearest target.

"Got it." Idoloclast was then hot on Thor's heels. His mecha had been built to mirror his own abilities, so speed was it's forte. With a flash it was racing through the sky towards another nearby enemy.

ζ

A small team of tourists were racing through the forests, and between them were rifle-toting soldiers firing wildly in to the trees. A seven-meter long monstrosity oozing that caustic mist bounded after them.

This particular beast could be likened to a toad. A giant, murderous toad. Numerous purple spines ridged it's back, and the path behind them was littered with soldiers who'd been impaled by the barbs – which could be fired off like projectiles. There their corpses would remain, pinned to the forest floor.

"Go, go!" A sublieutenant hollered at the others, urging them to make their retreat. Of his eight remaining soldiers, three were burdened with civilians slung over their back, slowing them down. One child and two women.

"Laosan, Qianzi, come with me and bring up the rear. Everyone else keep it moving." The commander glared at the beast as it drew nearer. His jaw tightened.

"Sir, let me stay behind." A young man, looking a week out of puberty called out to volunteer.

"Stop talking nonsense. Get out of here. That's an order." The lieutenant shoved at him with the butt of his rifle, causing the young man to stagger backwards. Then, he smiled at him, flashing a set of white teeth.

With that he turned, and scrambled up a tree. He clambered to the lower branches and pulled the laser rifle from his shoulder. Slowly, calmly, he aimed towards he approaching beast.

Just then, a dazzling bolt of blue light came crashing to earth, followed by a peal of thunder. The toad-monster felt it, and turned to look. It hopped around, opened it's massive mouth and belched. A violet photosphere shot from it's maw towards the light.

A dispassionate grunt sounded from the light, and then it vanished. For a moment, it was as though time stood still. Then, not far away, there came a violent howl like an oncoming train.

Boooom!

A column of sapphire light barreled through the forest and completely devoured the toad. The ensuing blast of air nearly knocked the lieutenant from his tree.

He winced against the blast then looked again. A tall, dazzling mecha stood where there hadn't been one before. The verdant green trees rustled around it's imposing, azure figure. It was an image that would forever be imprinted on the soldier's heart.

"Mecha? What's a mecha doing here?" The other two soldiers standing rear guard couldn't help but shout out in surprise.

It took a moment for the lieutenant to regain some semblance of stability. His own eyes watched with joy and excitement at the new circumstance. He didn't care where the thing had come from, because it had come just in time to save all their lives. Whoever they were he knew they'd help, because only a human could command a mecha. He knew this majestic machine was going to help them get out alive.

The surrounding vegetation had been pulverized, like it'd be hit with a road roller. The devastation stopped just before the three soldiers.

"Lieutenant, what is the current status of Taihua, I need information." The commanding voice wafted towards them from the mecha.

"It's damn good you came, pilot!" The team leader scrambled to his feet on the tree limb and snapped a salute.

"According to our most recent satellite images, a large host of unidentified creatures have landed all over Taihua. They're hostile, and ooze some sort of corrosive mist that kills everything it touches. Plant or animal, nothing lives once one of these things gets to you. The area we're in now has a higher concentration. If you can, help defend the closest encampment. We need their airship to get the survivors out of here."

"Alright, got it. You three make for evac." The mecha was off again, like a bolt towards the sky and off in search of it's next objective.

Were one to look on from overhead, they would see two figures dancing through the sky; a shimmering blue gem, and a crimson red shadow. They raced through the forests, and where they landed another magenta monster was exterminated.

"These things are strong, but nothing we can't handle, Professor Lan. But there seems to be more and more of them cropping up. At this rate the encampment will be surrounded before long."

"You're right, they just keep coming. How's your mecha's energy capacitors?"

"Sixty-one percent. No problem for the moment."

"Alright, then we keep fighting. Make sure not to get that mist on your machine."

"Got it."

"Rooooaaggh!" Their exchange was interrupted when an earth-rumbling howl filled the air around them. Thor turned towards the origin of the sound. What Lan Jue saw made his pupils contract.

Another monster stood among the trees. Or, more accurately, far above them, for this one rose a hundred meters in to the air. It looked almost prehistoric, a Tyrannosaurus. But there were differences, like the dozen or so hideous eyes that dotted it's head. It's body looked like it was slapped together with chunks of rotten meat. Like the others, this one released an intensely thick violet mist. With it's heaven-shaking roar, more of the caustic fumes had been spat forth. In the blink of an eye everything within five hundred meters of the beast turned dark and rotted away.

Wang Hongyuan slammed a fist against the control panel. "I just finished saying there wasn't anything to worry about, and then this thing shows up!"

"Leave this one to me," Lan Jue replied. "Keep the encampment safe." With that Thor launched itself high in to the air.

Coiling bolts of electricity surrounded Thor, filling the sky with flashes of azure light. Lan Jue's own eyes flickered with electrical power. The previous engagements had relied entirely on Thor's own A.I. combat parameters, but the energy fluctuations he sensed from this monstrosity far outstripped any of the beasts they'd faced so far. Lan Jue knew it was time to employ his own Discipline, and released it in to the mecha. Like this, Thor would be at peak effectiveness.

A dull pain throbbed within Lan Jue, but it wasn't more than he could stand. Thor's right arm rose.

White light mixed with blue, coagulating in to a familiar shape. A crackling bolt-shaped spear appeared in the mecha's hand. Thor pointed towards it's target, and the twenty-two meter tall mecha began to descend. As it tore through the air, gaining speed, twisting trails of light followed.

The behemoth certainly noticed Thor's approach. It roared at the blue spec, and the dozen eyes on it's head flashed with power. Twelve magenta bolts of energy fired from them, colliding with the flashing sapphire beam.

A violent blast shook the treetops as the powers clashed. A corona of light and wind roiled in the air overhead. Thor's figure flashed, appearing outside the blast radius. The behemoth's body began to shake

Lan Jue had seen the beast in it's entirety, saw the massive tail it was dragging behind it. It supported it's massive girth with six thick legs, and four clawed arms sprouted from it's torso. From it's back, hundred meter long wings began to spread outward. They beat furiously against the air, yanking the monstrous thing upward.

Thor remained still, hovering in the air. As the behemoth started to rise, a blue light shone from deep within the mecha. Threads of sapphire light emanated outward and wormed themselves around it.

Lan Jue's own body radiated a powerful electric light. Since his battle against Archangel Michael, this was the first step in his battle plan. Thankfully, with Hua Li's help, he'd already recovered to perhaps fifty percent. If not, he doubted he'd able to command his mecha, much less this level of power.

It wasn't long before the entire mecha was covered in flashing electric light. From a distance, it must have looked like it was carved entirely of sapphire. On it's back a golden thunderbolt shone. Overhead the sky grew black and heavy with clouds, pregnant with roaring bolts of lightning.

"Ugh!" Lan Jue coughed suddenly, splattering the cockpit with blood. Commanding this level of Thor's power, manipulating weather phenomena… under normal conditions these weren't easy tasks, but they were much more dangerous considering his injured state.

Bolt after bolt of electricity crashed down from the clouds, striking Thor. The mecha was like a lightning rod, devouring the electric powers as they covered it.

"Damn! Is this guy totally insane?" Wang Hongyuan stared in disbelief at the scene unfolding in the sky above him. The pride he'd felt earlier for Idoloclast seemed a whole lot less in this moment.

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Chapter 139: A Forest of Lightning!

This guy's actually able to manipulate the weather to amplify his mecha. What kind of strength does that require?! Could that… does it mean he's really a ninth level Talent?

It wasn't only Wang Hongyuan who was affected by the sight. The massive creature, too, was aware of what it faced. Still the vicious monstrosity fearlessly beat it's wings until, with some effort, it lifted free from the ground. It roared madly at Thor, vomiting a beam of violet energy towards it.

But before the beam could pierce Thor, it scattered and dissolves upon contact with the flashing lightning that surrounded it. Thor was entirely unfazed. In the interim before the beam struck, Thor had changed from a dazzling blue to a blinding gold. Squinting through the blazing light one could see the mecha was blanketed in tightly compacted golden lightning bolts.

"Die!" Lan Jue shouted back at the roaring behemoth, and Thor met the impromptu battle-cry with a forward charge. From where Wang Hongyuan watched, he could see the spear of golden light crashing earthbound. It's glow covering everything within dozens of square kilometers.

The behemoth hadn't risen a thousand metes above ground before it lurched to a stop. It's skin began to split, and from somewhere within it's rotten body rays of golden light escaped. It reeled, roaring towards the heavens, before it burst apart in a searing blaze.

A shimmering figure stood in the air where fragments of the creature were falling away. Around it, the skies opened up and hundreds upon hundreds of golden bolts of lightning came crashing from the dark clouds on high. The world became a dazzling forest of lightning.

Thor released the power it had stored unto it's enemies, the devastating Forest of Lightning.

Below in the tainted forests the multitude of hideous creatures were quickly turning to coal, burnt to oblivion by the lightning. In the space of an instant, hundreds of the monsters were turned to ash or blown apart. It was like a blast from the gods themselves, turning against the evil pestilence.

Wang Hongyuan swallowed hard. "Glad I'm on his side!"

Even the soldiers and tourists in their headlong rush for escaped were inspired to stop and stare at the scene above them. Not a soul knew what had happened, even the satellites couldn't penetrate the cloud cover to run their scans. All the fleeing masses knew was turning their monstrous assailants to fried carcasses.

Even atheists were on their knees, shouting praises to whatever god would listen. For it could only be a god who possessed this level of power.

Eventually the golden light receded. The large figure at it's core descended until it connected once again with the ground.

"Are you alright, Zeus?" Thor's metallic voice rumbled through the cockpit.

Lan Jue, his face pale and sunken, shook his head. "I'm fine. Just made the wound flare up, that's all. You? How much energy do we have remaining?"

"Fifty-seven percent."

"Then continue on auto, I need a breather."

"Very well." Without pause, Thor's thrusters sent it up and away towards the next enemy.

Thor's Forest of Lightning had temporarily eased the immediate danger of the encampment being overrun. Already there were more and more tourists under soldier care rushing towards the airship tarmac. They took off, one after the other, as they were stuffed full of evacuees. They reeled and raced skyward in any direction, just desperate to flee the nightmare they'd found themselves in.

A flash of red, and Idoloclast appeared behind another one of the creatures. Dual crimson blades shimmered in it's hands. As the seven meter weapons cut through, a dark light remained in the air it passed through.

The creature slowly fell away in to countless chunks of chopped meat.

Wang Hongyuan had already lost count of the number of creatures he'd dispatched. It had been two hours since he'd called Idoloclast and their work begun. He figured at least a hundred, but compared to that guy… he was behind perhaps ten times Thor's kill count.

And yet the creatures kept coming. It was like they were an endless wave. It almost seemed like their numbers were increasing instead. Fortunately it appeared most of the ships in this encampment had already set off, and radar revealed fewer and fewer fleeing tourists.

"How you holding up, Professor Lan?" Wang Hongyuan called through the mech's communicators, somewhat out of breath.

"I'm all good," his voice responded, cool and collected. At present he was controlling the mecha manually to conserve power.

"Reserves are down to less than thirty percent. Nearing the warning line. I count twenty eight ships still remaining at the encampment."

"Alright," Lan Ju replied. "Fall back to the encampment, guard the strip. I'll join you there in about twenty minutes. We need to prep our own evac."

"Got it!" Wang Hongyuan immediately left for his new post.

The two of them had done all they could. Now, they had to get themselves out before it was too late.

Thor paused, hovering in the air. It raised it's metallic head. At this point the whole of Taihua was enveloped in a grey mist. Although Thor was capable of replenishing it's own energy stores, it could only be done through cosmic radiation. Even if some could get through the dense fog, he'd still require time they didn't have.

With how much Thor had endured, it's own stores were only about thirty percent as well. Still the radar reached out.

Beep! Lan Jue looked at the information, and was shocked to find someone taking one of the beasts by themselves. The power fluctuations were intense.

ζ

Tan Lingyun half squatted under the canopy, an arm stretched out for balance and gasping heavily. Her clothes were almost rags, but it only enhanced the ferocity glinting behind her eyes.

Before her a giant python coiled, watching her with it's lidless gaze.

Their fight had been raging for a little while already. She'd raced headlong in to the forests to search for Lan Jue and Wang Hongyuan, killing perhaps a dozen of the beasts barehanded along the way. But she was reaching the end of her limit. In fact, were it not for the restorative and vibrant qualities of the environment she was linked to, she'd have been a goner long ago.

The entire beast was a sort of mulberry color, stretching twenty meters long. It was covered in tough scales and thick flesh, and although Tan Lingyun had already managed to put several holes in the thing none of them were grievous injuries. Worse, their last exchange had done some internal damage to herself.

Her eyes were growing dim. The world before her was slowly becoming blurry like staring through dirty water. Tan Lingyun knew this was the result of stretching herself beyond her limit.

She couldn't hold on much longer. Although she knew her decision to remain behind would likely lead to disaster, she had no regrets. She may not have been able to find Lan Jue and Wang Hongyuan, but she'd managed to help at least eight other tourists escape.

She'd die fighting, if it came to it!

With another deep breath Tan Lingyun launched herself forward. A glowing green light shone in the center of her forehead – her core. As it revealed itself, wisps of green energy appeared from the surrounding forests and merged with her. She was urged on, powered by the supernatural essence of the forest she protected.

Her right arm lifted, and clutched in her hand was a glittering and translucent emerald blade. She gripped the pommel with both hands. In this instant her thoughts turned to her mecha. If only Druidess were here, exhaustion wouldn't be a concern. But it wasn't, so she had to make do. And even if she died, she was going to make sure this damn snake choked on her corpse.

The anaconda keenly felt the approaching threat. It's scales began to peel away, opening up and allowing a thick cloud of mist to envelope everything around itself. First it was like a spectre, a dangerous silhouette. And then it vanished.

The natural mana sustaining Tan Lingyun had reached it's peak. There was no more room for hesitation. She blindly lashed out with the shimmering green sword.

Where the blade passed, the magenta mist parted like snow before a flame. The green flash revealed, just briefly, the mighty beast. It's howl of pain said the rest.

Strike? Tan Lingyun's heart skipped a beat. And yet, a moment later, she was met with the exact thing she didn't want to see.

She had landed a strike, but what she'd hit was the damn thing's tail. A three meter section of the monster had been cleaved free, belching pools of purplish liquid. A strike, but hardy a lethal blow.

The snake-monster's distended maw lashed out with horrendous speed. At this point the mecha teacher was too exhausted to dodge. She watched the fanged mouth barreling towards her, helpless.

This was to be her end! Tan Lingyun bitterly shut her eyes. Memories of the past twenty eight years flooded her mind's eye. In that time she'd experienced so much, endured so much. She suddenly felt…. liberated. At peace.

She felt her whole body tighten. Next she heard the violent blast of a thunderbolt, and suddenly the earth was spinning.

Her eyes opened, almost of their own accord. She was greeted with the sight of a massive blue mecha, which held her in it's giant hand. Blinding flares of blue light burst forth, casting the snake away like it was nothing more than a pesky insect. The mecha twisted in the air, firing once more upon the beast from an impossible angle. The monster's head was split open.

As she watched, caught in it's grip, the sapphire mecha moved once again. It hung in the air long enough to spin about, heading to ground in a perfectly executed inverted V-shape.

It twisted and rolled, pressing Tan Lingyun tight against the metal palm. The pressure, and her exhausted, colluded to blanket the world around her in darkness. In the moment before she fainted, all she could remember where the frightening yellow eyes of the mecha.

Boom! Thor landed amidst flying debris and foliage.

Seeing Tan Lingyun clutched safely in Thor's hand, Lan Jue couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth fill his heart.

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Chapter 140: Drink Medicine! Break Out!

The calls Tan Lingyun had sent to Lan Jue and Wang Hongyuan were in fact received, only they'd chosen not to answer. He hadn't expected she would stay behind on Taihua – and judging by the sheer number of curse words in her messages to them, he judged the only reason she did remain, was to find them.

The woman was cold as ice on the outside, but did indeed have a good heart as Jin Yan assured.

A dim blue light reached from Thor's chest. When it receded, Tan Lingyun was gone, safe inside the mecha. Thor's cockpit wasn't small, easily big enough to accommodate two people. Years ago he'd built it that way for when he rambled with Hera.

Tan Lingyun was covered in grime, passed out, and stinking up his cockpit – but Lan Jue didn't concern himself with that. He reached out to feel her pulse. When he was sure it was simply exhaustion, he breathed a sigh of relief.

For her to last so long out there without a mecha was testament to her strength and ability.

It was time to retreat. It meant conceding Taihua to these beasts, but even something as strong as Thor could get exhausted. He was off again, flying towards the encampment. Idoloclast was already waiting.

There were still a number of empty airships remaining. Wang Hongyuan chose one without a pilot. These ships were mostly run automatically, so piloting one was nothing difficult.

"Professor Lan, on your way back? We've got to get out of here as soon as possible. Radar's picking up several more of the monsters heading our way. *1, do all these things know we're here?!"

"I'll be there in a moment," Lan Jue replied. "And I'm bringing Tan Lingyun along for the ride. I think she came to save us. She pushed too hard and lost consciousness."

"You're not talking about the Savage Goddess…"

"That's her," he said. Thor continued towards the encampment, only stopping to dispatch two more monsters on the way.

The stabbing pain in his chest was worse. Lan Jue once more cursed the damn angel Michael for what he'd done. If he were at peak condition he'd have been able to sustain the fight for at least twice as long without issue.

Wang Hongyuan tapped in their intended coordinates and lifted off, first towards Lan Jue's location. Idoloclast had already withdrawn, so he was only waiting for the etiquette teacher to make their escape.

Lan Jue appeared in a sudden flash of light. That mecha's speed! A light reached out from it's chest and deposited Lan Jue on the ground. He carried Tan Lingyun on to the waiting airship.

He turned once on board and motioned with Thor's Promise. It flashed, and Thor vanished through interdimensional space. "Let's get out of here!"

"Got it!" Wang Hongyuan roared with maniacal laughter 2 and blasted off towards space. But the laugh was short lived, as suddenly the ship pitched to the side.

Lan Jue, just managing to shut the doors, then slammed against the cabin wall. He shouted angrily towards the pilot. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Wang Hongyuan's tense voice responded. "Look for yourself."

Lan Jue stuck his face against the nearest porthole, and his heart sank.

Their escape was cut off by the erratic flight of a colossal monstrosity. Volley after volley of energy salvos launched at them from the creature's head. Ten ships had taken off before them, and already two were falling to earth as flaming debris. The terrifying attack was as impressive as Thor's Forest of Lightning.

This was easily the deadliest beast they'd encountered so far, worse than the Tyrannosaurus Lan Jue had dispatched. From what they were seeing, he estimated the beast to be equivalent to a ninth level Talent. More than a match for an average mecha.

"We've done enough," Wang Hongyuan said, his voice low and defeated.

They were still quite a distance from the behemoth. The earlier roll was made to avoid an errant beam of energy that had swung their way. So far they hadn't captured the monster's attention. Now was their chance to get clear.

Wang Hongyuan's words reminded Lan Jue of something. A small smile spread across his face. His eyes were clear and sharp.

"My wife died, three years ago. When she left she took my heart with her. You really don't need to worry about Jin Yan and I. I know everyone who's lost a loved one hurts. I might not be able to save everyone, but even saving one more person means I spare someone the pain I feel. I can save a family."

"When you get back, if the Savage Goddess wakes up, don't tell her it was I who saved her. Promise you'll keep my secret. Now get out of here."

His left hand had risen, and that familiar green glow once more called Thor from the abyss. He waved towards the cockpit, then yanked open the cabin door and leapt out before Wang Hongyuan could lock it shut.

Almost immediately he was caught in a beam of light, and found himself in Thor's cockpit. He settled in, then reached in to jacket. He pulled a small vial from within, and took a deep breath.

Lan Jue poured the contents down his throat. Almost immediately his power began to pulse erratically. His gloomy expression became alive with vitality. The aura that surrounded him was magnificent and terrifying.

Thor trembled from the unstable bursts of energy from it's pilot. "Zeus, in consuming this unknown medicine your body's energy is swelling. Estimates read you can only sustain this level of power for thirty minutes. Your body will be unable to endure the medicine's effects after that. Your Core will be in danger of being annihilated."

"Thirty minutes eh?" Lan Jue fixed his eyes on the distant monster. "That's enough. Thor, time for a real fight!"

Lights of all shades and hues were seeping from Lan Jue's pores. The energy surrounding him was growing more unstable by the second. But in the same instant an intense flood of energy was welling up inside him. It washed over his Core, injecting it with power.

Thor had already passed critical energy levels, but suddenly it's energy reserves began to quickly replenish. A shimmering azure light bloomed out around it, stark against the grey sky.

If Wang Hongyuan had understood what Lan Jue had chosen to do, then he'd have seen true insanity.

If Jin Tao had known what was to occur, he'd understand the suffering he was enduring amounted to nothing.

Piao Hong had given him two Fantascia Genetica decoctions for his promise to aid them. He'd diluted one, and given in to Hua Li for use with Jin Tao. Three doses, spread three months apart.

He'd just taken the entire vial of highly concentrated Fantascia.

Lan Jue knew precisely what he'd done, and what it meant. He also knew what the decoction was capable of. It's basic function was to catalyze a person's inner potential, and increase their genetic capabilities.

It was a useful decoction for anyone below ninth level. Taken successively it was sure to increase one's abilities. Of course something that powerful didn't come without risks. The sudden rearrangement of one's DNA sequence meant the future trials involved in becoming a Paragon were almost impossible. What's more, ninth level adepts were not permitted to take it.

Ninth level Adepts were already in possession of energy levels no normal human could sustain. Taking the decoction meant their power levels instantly catapulted them in to the realm of the Paragons. It was a level of power they had no foundation to keep in check, and as a result their power eventually spun out of control and exploded outward.

Lan Jue knew all this, but he had no other option. Of course he could have left with Wang Hongyuan, but they'd only be able to watch helplessly as boatloads of innocents were slaughtered.

Hera was already gone. Like he'd said, these last three years he'd been living without hope or purpose. At this very moment he faced the circumstances with a calm heart. Almost cold. His earlier encounter with that young soldier still swam in his memory. Responsibility, guardians of humanity. Were these not the marks of a true man? Nobility?

Lan Jue didn't know what fate was in store for him, whether or not he'd succumb to the overwhelming power of the decoction. He didn't care. He'd taken the vial, it's effects were already under way. His weakened Discipline, stagnate for these three years, writhed within. It surged up, unprecedented levels of power bursting forth.

It came paired with a blinding pain. Indescribably agony wracked his body, so bad it threatened to suffocate him. But his eyes were sharp, and his hands were steady. His discipline surged through him and into Thor, filling it as well.

The beast had become aware of something in the distance. It turned it's massive girth through the air and, upon seeing the glimmering jewel that was Thor racing directly towards it, opened it's hideous maw in a bloodcurdling roar!

Lan Jue stared back at it with hard eyes. With a flash, Thor was suddenly behind the beast.

The monster's roars faded in to the wind. It remained rooted in place, hanging in the air. Waves of staggering energy pulsed outward, and it's body began to glow. Piercing rays of blue light began to shoot out from it as great tears appeared over its flesh.

Booooommmm!

One moment the beast was there, it's cruel jaws poised. In the next it was a fine red mist, scattering with the winds.

"Go!" Thor's thunderous and majestic voice rang out through the cabin of each and every ship remaining. Their engines fired up, flinging them towards the heavens. Thor was right behind them.

Lan Jue sat within the sapphire mecha, clad in golden robes, a golden mask, and a golden mantle, watching the sky race by dispassionately.

1. The Chinese calque here is very funny, the mandarin equivalent of the f-word, 法克 for those interested.

2. I dunno, that's what the translation says. Brings to mind images of KSP.

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Chapter 141: Divine Salvation

Now, he was Zeus. Mighty, all-powerful Zeus. By virtue of the Fantascia Genetica Decoction he was stronger than he'd ever been, a power that coursed through him like fire. It didn't matter how many ninth level beasts appeared before him now, none could raise a hand against him.

Lest one forget, he was a being of two converging powers – thunderbolt and lightning intertwined. He was destined to be unbeatable.

Thor tore through the sky, leaving a grey contrail in it's wake. In seconds, it was leaving the stratosphere. As it did it's chest glowed blue. A golden figure appeared in the space before Thor.

Zeus' cold eyes were cast down at the grey planet below. Bolts of lightning raced across his eyes, behind his lids. Golden lightning bolts.

"These creatures couldn't have arrived for no reason. When the East took over this place, they must have sent probe after probe through the planet to prevent just this sort of thing. Taihua was a suitable place for human life, though without any significant resources. And certainly without massive poisonous monsters hiding in it's depths. They must have come from elsewhere. Where precisely who knows, but they can't be endless. Their vitality was drawn from Taihua itself, Something must have drawn them here, and the only way to end an infestation is to obliterate the nest."

"Thor, await me here," Zeus commanded after his quiet murmuring.

He dissolved in to a golden beam of light and pierced the atmosphere once more. Around five thousand meters from the ground he reappeared.

"Hear me! Clouds, come!" Zeus' powerful voice reverberated far and wide. It started small, but increased until it filled the air like rolling thunder.

Ascension! Godly Decrees!

At his command the sky grew dark, heavy with black clouds.

"Bring me thunder!"

Thrummmmmm! Tremendous blasts roared back at him, echoing far in to the distance. Snaking licks of lightning danced among the clouds overhead, lighting the skies from here to the far horizons.

"Gather!" Zeus' imperatorial voice crashed among the thunder, overpowering it.

Lightning split the skies, hundreds upon thousands of errant bolts lancing in all directions. The clouds overhead shined brighter than the sun, becoming an ocean of lightning that filled one's entire vision. The clouds and mists thickened, the lightning crashed down faster. And Zeus was their point of impact. Countless bolts of electricity struck him, again and again and again, until his golden aura filled the sky like a supernova.

ζ

Skyfire Avenue

"What is it, Clairvoyant?" The Wine Master furrowed his brows at the old man as he asked.

Skyfire Avenue's leaders replied hesitantly. "I just got an ominous sense. We knew when I read his fortunes before that he'd be facing danger, but that he'd eventually overcome his tribulations. Why is it, then, I'm suddenly unable to see what will become of him?"

The Wine Master looked at him in anxiety and confusion. "What does it mean?"

"Only two things could result in me losing the sight," he said. "The first, that he's met his end. But that is a very unlikely possibility. If he had the sensations I'm feeling would be much stronger. The second, is his powers have increased to a level comparable to our own. I cannot predict what is to come for him. Are you sure he's on Taihua?"

The Wine Master nodded. "I am. On a trip, supposedly…"

The Clairoyant's voice was deep, troubled. "Head over there. It's not too far, it shouldn't be much trouble."

"Alright."

The Wine Master turned as if to leave, but the Clairvoyant raised a hand, stopping him in place. "Wait a moment. When you go, bring the Doctor. He returned a few days ago."

"The Doctor's back? Very well." The Wine Master turned again, and left.

For the first time in a long while, the Clairvoyant felt helpless. "This kid! He never gives anyone a break. He'll end up being the death of me."

ζ

National Eastern University.

Zhou Qianlin was busying herself with an equation, alone at her desk. She was studiously at work far past when she'd ordinarily be leaving. The equation itself was difficult, and far past what she'd already learned. Still she felt like she'd made great progress, both in her research and personal knowledge.

"Qianlin!" The sound startled her, and she jumped in her seat. Her train of thought was lost. She shot an irritated gaze at the door.

Tang Mi raced in to the class as though she were being chased. "Did you hear," she said breathlessly. "Qianlin, something's happened on Taihua. Tons of unknown beasts suddenly appeared all over the place."

Qianlin calmly plucked her cup of water from the desk and took a sip. "Some unimportant business of Taihua had you running in here screaming, ruining my train of thought? How many beasts are we talking?"

"Countless," she replied. "Spreading all over the planet, I heard. And they're really strong – if you don't believe me ask your father."

Suddenly, Zhou Qianlin's body became still. Taihua… Taihua. Didn't he say…?

Her voice took on an urgent tone. "Xiao Mi, didn't our school just send a bunch of teachers to Taihua?"

Her friend nodded gravely. "Yeah! Why do you think I came running in here? Your class leader Tan Lingyun is with them."

Crash! The ceramic cup shattered in to countless pieces, forgotten as Zhou Qianlin shot suddenly to her feet. Her fingers flew over the buttons of her communicator.

It was only a short moment before the call connected. "Qianlin, I'm busy in a meeting – I can't speak right now."

With that, her father hung up.

She sucked in a breath, and tried to keep herself calm. It worked, at least on the surface, for her usually gentle eyes took on a sort of disconnected calm. She tapped another number in to her com. Her will reached out through the spirit caller gem in the same instant.

"The number you've dialed it out of service." The uncaring female voice recording on the other end was like a punch to the gut.

There was no response from the gem.

"What is it," Tang Mi asked, surprised by her reaction. She hardly recognized her now.

Qianlin shook her head. "Xiao Mi, head on home. I have something I have to do." She raced out of the classroom before her words had a chance to dissipate.

Tang Mi watched her go, utterly confused. "When did she get so fast?"

Qianlin raced through the halls at top speed, once again jabbing at her communicator.

"Miss." A pleasant female voice answered.

"Give me the most recent news from Taihua." Her voice was commanding. "I need the latest satellite imagery, and the fasted ship we have to get me there."

"I'm afraid the lanes to Taihua have already been closed, Miss. Apparently something's happened." The woman's voice was still smooth and slow, but it was clear there was surprise in it at Qianlin's demands.

"No matter the cost! I'm leaving for the civil airstrip right now." She cut the connection before giving the woman any further opportunity for argument.

She looked up just in time to see a figure blocking her path.

"Qianlin, what are you racing off to?" Richard blinked at her.

She skidded to a halt. "Is your verti-car parked here?"

"Yeah! Over in the parking lot." He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder.

"Give me the keys."

"Oh…" He fished an electronic key from his pocket and put it in her waiting hand.

"Thanks, I'll get it back to you." She was off again, disappearing from Richard's view as quickly as she'd come.

"Qianlin… Qianlin! What are you doing?! I'll go with you!" He called after her.

"I got it!"

Half a minute later, a verti-car was lifting off from the campus parking lot. It grew bright, flashed, then vanished.

Richard had given chase but was unable to catch up with the girl. His face fell, dark with depression. His communicator rang, interrupting his gloom.

"Mr. Austin, you have been found in violation of the university's traffic rules. Please return immediately and present yourself to the student affairs office for disciplinary action."

"Mother-" Richard only just kept himself from smashing his communicator to pieces.

ζ

A blinding light flashed in the heavens. Zeus was at it's center, shining as though he were cast in gold. The light radiated out from him in all directions. His body had begun to grow, to swell. He'd already stretched to ten meters tall. Towering, golden, suspended in air, he truly was like an avatar of the gods.

The tearing bolts of lightning dancing over head began to recede. Zeus stood in their flashing midsts, turning to view his domain. Two great beams of golden light issued from his eyes, bathing the ground below in resplendent light as he tore through the skies five thousand meters overhead.

Thor was on the move as well, five thousand meters above it's master. The mecha's radar was set to its highest frequency, and swept over the planet as it launched in another direction.

"Zeus, all satellite imagery over Taihua is being intercepted. No sign of your presence will be permitted." Thor's mechanized rumble echoed through his mind.

"Good." He sped up.

His body was feeling the full effects of the Fantascia Genetica decoction. Thankfully It was the decoction's ability to strengthen his discipline that allowed him to take control, keeping himself from being torn apart.

At this moment, with the power at his fingertips, he was no more a ninth level talent. He was a Paragon. With this level of control, he felt like the master of the universe. Wherever he looked, he could see all, sense all.

A shimmering cocoon of golden energy surrounded Zeus as he raced through the sky. Scores of golden lightning bolts fired out in all directions with his passage. Any creature that crossed his path, regardless of size or strength, was instantly and ruthlessly wiped from reality. In the eyes of a Paragon, they were no more threatening than scraps of paper.

His communicator was gone. It had been destroyed long ago in his mad assault on the monsters. There was no Lan Jue, only Zeus. All that remained of the man before was the spirit caller gem, and Thor's Promise.

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Chapter 142: The God and The Goliath

"Zeus, satellite anomalies have been discovered by the Eastern Alliance. Judging from the communications I've uncovered, the first set of Eastern reconnaissance troops should arrive in three hours. By my estimates, the East will attempt to maintain planetary integrity, and thus will not bring it's warships to bear." Thor continued to pass on whatever information is uncovered to Zeus.

"Zeus, what is your current physical state?" Thor's voice arose anew. Surprisingly, this time the mechanical voice sounded almost concerned.

"I'm fine. The decoction has already catalyzed my abilities. For the time being I'll have no trouble supporting the power. I'm using it to enhance the potency of my Ascension. For as long as the decoction's effects remain, there wont be any problems."

"What about when it's spent?"

Zeus was silent for a moment.

"I don't know."

Honestly, he didn't know. When he imbibed the decoction he only knew that it would empower his abilities, and the risks that might entail. He feared that, had he not immediately resorted to his Ascension and the power it required, he'd have succumbed to destruction already. But what was to come, he couldn't say. He only knew the power that was coursing through him in this moment.

"Zeus. I believe I've found it. Coordinates."

A flickering thread of information wormed through his mind. It was somewhere in the sea.

It was unfortunate Hua Li wasn't here. The thought fought it's way through the flooding power. The sea, it was Poseidon's home court. Any watery area promoted his abilities to their strongest levels.

None of the former 'Poseidons' were ever Paragons. But on the oceans, cultivated to their higher levels, they were more frightening than many of the lower ranked masters.

Zeus turned midflight, and blazed through the sky to where Thor was headed.

ζ

The blimp-like ship was milky white, and small. It only had room enough to accommodate ten passengers. Next to a battleship it was hardly worth noticing. Next to Zeus-1 no one would pay it any mind at all. It's only advantage was speed, and that's what give it it's nickname; the Cosmic Hummingbird. It's speed was without equal, and it could reach light speed in no time at all.

Unfortunately distance was not among it's defining traits. It's energy reserves were limited.

Zhou Qianlin sat behind the controls of the Cosmis Hummingbird, her hands running over the buttons and levers. The ship was slowly gaining velocity and then, in a flash, was reduced to a beam of light boring in to the darkness of space.

ζ

Skyfire Avenue, Reaper's Arena.

A hexagonal area spread out in all directions. The ground had been etched with golden lines which splayed in fantastical designs. The central areas of the golden veins were inlaid with countless shimmering gems.

Two figures occupied the central area of the special arena. The first was the Wine Master. He looked as well kept as ever, with his hair combed and wearing gentlemanly suit. Across from his was another man, tall and thin, and quite handsome. He looked to be in his twenties, with long black hair that fell to his shoulders. His expression bore a calm detachment. Unlike his elderly counterpart, he was garbed in a clean doctor's coat, his hands stuffed in the pockets.

"Wine Master, is it absolutely essential I go? I've got quite a lot to do. I've got an appointment with the Beautician, and then tomorrow I've got to see the Barber about a haircut. The Gourmet said something about a choice bit of mutton as well, a stew we're to share tomorrow. Just let me off the hook here, it's been so long since I've enjoyed the Gourmet's fare. Ah, and I have to see the Mechanic about a job for him."

"Shut up! You're as despicable as the Accountant!" 1 The Wine Master's growling voice cut through the Doctor's complaints.

"'Cuz I don't wanna go," the Doctor whined helplessly. "Ever since that guy's shown up I've been getting markedly less attention from our female shop owners as well. Who'd agree to helping such stiff competition!"

The Wine Master's response was soft and measured. "Doctor, are you aware of the consequences if you keep disturbing me during this transfer?"

"No idea," the young man said flippantly. "Hey, can you really move this whole planet through space? Isn't that dangerous?"

"Oh it is dangerous." The Wine Master glared daggers at the man. "Originally there's about a ninety percent chance it's fine, though if you keep causing problems we're looking at fifty percent. I'll be able to send, oh, about a corner of the planet to where we need to go. As for you, you'll be sliced to ribbons by interdimensional space, like the result of a hundred thousand swipes of the scalpel. I'm fairly sure your pretty ladies wouldn't want anything to do with you after that, don't you?"

"I'm sure!" The Doctor had suddenly decided to be serious. His lazy demeanor had grown sharp and calm. He wasted no more time with pointless drivel.

The Wine Master nodded with a grunt. He motioned in the air with a finger, and almost immediately the world around them began to warp. The countless energy crystals inlaid in the lines at their feet flared to life.

With the money they were spending on this guy, he was sure to come along despite his protests.

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The large oceans of Taihua should have been a sky blue, but the presence of unwanted pollutants had changed it. An enormous vortex swirled within, red as blood and a thousand kilometers across. A pale purple beam launched out from within, hanging in the air for just a moment before vanishing. Were one able to see within the depths of the see, they'd discovered nearly all the sea life devoured by the vicious whirlpool.

In a soundless golden flash Zeus appeared ten thousand meters above it. "Here it is," he exclaimed. The god-like Adept shut his eyes, focusing on the pulses of energy radiating from the vortex.

In fact the radiating energies were not overtly powerful. Instead there was the sense of… extinction. He could sense countless cells constituting the vortex, each of which were devouring the world around it at an alarming rate. They grew to maturity, were expelled, and spat out over great distances.

It was the hideous monsters' nest!

Right now it didn't matter how the nest got here. The primary objective was it's destruction. It was the only way to stop the endless march of the beasts. If not, the vortex would just continue devouring all life in the oceans, churning out monsters until the entire place was overrun.

But what the hell was it? There were scores of strange things in the universe, but the thing Zeus hovered over known was a complete unknown. He'd neither seen nor heard anything like it before.

Zeus' eyes flashed, and with a motion of his finger the godly aura around him diffused outward. Once again the skies grew dark and thick with clouds. It was an easy thing to produce clouds over the ocean, with the air so full of moisture.

Flashes of lightning lit the sky. Thunder rolled. And the air was full of an intense electric charge. Gradually it grew dark as pitch, to where only those brief and violent bursts of golden lightning lit the world.

Zeus floated in their midst, his eyes closed. He quietly drank it all in, feeling and knowing everything that occurred around him. He was calm, his mind empty.

Zeus' Ascension granted him control over the laws of nature. Of course, such ultimate power was temporary. But now, he was as the Paragons. The power he wielded, under the influence of the Fantascia Genetica, was absolute.

But was this indeed bending the rules of nature? Every terrible arc of golden lightning seemed like it was born of his own powers, not a product of the world around him. Every dark cloud was like a part of him.

No wonder it was said that mechas weren't an important aspect of a Paragon's life. There were no mechas available with today's technology that could match their sheer destructive ability.

For a moment it seemed even the vortex had become aware of the mountain pressure in the world around it. The seas rolled and heaved. Flashes of red and purple fluttered in it's depths, and a roar rose from within like a challenge.

In truth those roiling waters, that tumultuous sea, almost looked like a massive face. It was a face not unlike the behemoth Lan Jue had destroyed in his first moments after drinking the decoction.

Zeus pressed his right hand down towards the water.

Boom…!

A thick, twisting bolt of golden lightning flashed down from on high. It pierced deep in to the belly of the vortex. The heart of the whirlpool glowed gold, and then spat a pillar of water thousands of meters in to the air. Great spurts of violet fluid hung in the sky before being swept away by the wind.

Steam hung low over the water, and the surface roiled as though it were boiling, or quivering with rage. Geysers fired high towards the heavy clouds as that familiar magenta mist began to congeal over the waves.

Zeus lifted his arms high. The clouds brightened overhead in response like heaven was opening at his command. The entire horizon glowed bright gold. Slowly at first, but quicker with time, scores of shimmering lightning orbs fell to earth like roiling golden stars. They struck that towering sprout of living water again and again, a bombardment of heavenly artillery.

Boom, bang, crack, boom! Blast after deafening blast gave sonance to the devastating attacks as they exploded over the ocean. The tornado couldn't stand the assault for long, and dissipated in to nothing.

Once more Zeus lifted his right hand high over head. In a flash, a crackling spear of writhing lightning appeared where there was nothing. It burned with a golden fire that swirled behind it as it crashed down in to the raging seas. It didn't stop until it pierced the hidden heart of the vortex.

The crashing waves grew still, as though time had stopped. The surface of the water for a great distance around him shined with light.

Boooommmmm! A thousand meter tall spray of water reached out like the final desperate grasp of a dying man. A tsunami was birthed where the bolt had struck and rippled out in all directions. A golden halo hung over the scene.

"Aaaaagghooooo!" A great and piteous howl was heard, the scream of some enraged creature. From the depths of the ocean arose bubbles of purple fluid that broke the surface and burst, sending spouts of that caustic liquid spewing high in to the air. With them appeared the body of a titanic beast.

1. I love this guy.

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Chapter 143: The Cosmagus

It was little more than a giant, fleshy orb, a thousand meters in diameter. It's bulging form was composed of numerous folds and wrinkles. It was similar in form to an enormous brain. Dimples and scars dotted it's surface, leading to a single hideous mouth at it's apex.

As it rose over the waves the wrinkles stretched and flapped, smacking sickeningly against each other. With each fleshy smack more of the magenta mist was expelled.

Aaaaggghhhooo!

The monstrous maw twisted as it's angry roars filled the air. The fleshy orb lurched, and began to rise towards Zeus. It's fleshy flaps had stretched and become wings, which beat furiously at the air and water.

As more of it's body was revealed, it was shown that the left half of it had been burned black. Evidently Zeus' bolts had found their mark. He took it as affirmation of his strategy, and the sky lit up anew as scores of lightning bolts crashed towards the monster.

But this time the beast knew what to expect. The thick purplish mist surrounding it congealed and hardened in to an impenetrable membrane. It's twisted mouth opened wide, stretching a hundred meters in all directions. Peering in to the depths of that maw brought a palpable sensation of despair. The air changed, as everything above it began to get sucked down towards it. The skies roiled as the clouds started to descend. Even Zeus was caught in the vacuum.

The inhalation force was strong enough to devour anything caught within it. The monstrous thing seemed poised to swallow the whole world to achieve it's goal. It's already bulbous girth was expanding larger still.

Zeus glared at it, his face dignified and imposing. He struggled against the vacuum to keep himself from begin drawn in. However, the sudden force of this vacuum was indeed powerful, and unexpected. Not to mention it's new plating, which appeared capable of enduring a blast from a warship.

Punching through that armor would be difficult, even for a Paragon. And Lan Jue wasn't even a real Paragon – he didn't know how to wield this level of power.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar deep voice, that hung in the air around him.

"Jewelry Master, you must remember that you're part of a team."

A single column of silver light appeared without warning. It stretched tall and wide, but beside the swelling titan it seemed miniscule. Further, it didn't appear to do anything to the monster. It flickered and stretched until it was like a curtain of light.

Pssshhhttt! An earsplitting noise burst forth. It sounded like reality was tearing at the seams. Zeus felt the terrible drag of the monster's suction inexplicably cease. The monster froze as though lapsing in to a cataleptic state.

A slash of pitch darkness, black as ink, appeared before Zeus. A powerful vacuum began again, but this one was not from the beast. Instead it came from the fissure, but stranger still it's undeniable suction did not effect Lan Jue's side.

The two mighty absorption forces were at odds, one drawing the other. Whichever was more powerful would come out the victor. In the end, though the monster was powerful, it couldn't match up to the dimensional tear before it.

Phsssup! A spout of purplish-black fluid erupted from the monster. The thick fluid, strangely, acted like a sort of adhesive as it sprinkled over the fissure. Little by little the fluid began to clog the tear.

"Eh?!" A surprised shout called Lan Jue's attention to his side. There was suddenly two more people in the air a short distance from him.

As ever the Wine Master was the very picture of nobility; well dressed, finely kept. He was also, at this time, surrounded by a faint silver glow. A doctor was with him, with a face like spoiled milk. Fortunately he, too, was covered by the Wine Master's protective light or he'd really have something to scowl about.

"What in the hell is this thing?!" The Doctor exclaimed.

"No idea," Lan Jue responded. "But what I can tell you is that all the beasts on Taihua have some connection to it. We kill the root of this hideous weed, and the ugly leaves will follow."

The Doctor looked at the writhing thing below them, a strange glint in his eye. "When we're done, make sure to leave a little bit for me to do an autopsy."

"The Wine Master shot Lan Jue a look, changing the subject. "How are you suddenly able to control the laws like this?"

Lan Jue's smile was bitter. "Fantascia Genetica Decoction. Otherwise too many people would have died."

"What?" The Doctor's eyes nearly bulged from his head. "Angry alpacas riding antelopes, you really will eat anything won't you! Eat something unclean and you'll get diarrhea. What you ate is far beyond dirty. Are you trying to kill yourself?" In a flash the Doctor appeared before the Jewelry Master's side. With a flick of his wrist, a syringe appeared in his hand. He unceremoniously jabbed it at Lan Jue's arm.

Gzzt! A jolt of lightning flicked the syringe away. A Paragon's skin wasn't so easily broken.

A look of profound displeasure washed over the Doctor's face. "It's imperative you finish this fight as soon as possible. Otherwise there wont be enough of him to fit in a shoe box."

At this point the monster had figured out the fissure. The beast didn't appear to have suffered any damage, but it had stopped it's slow ascent. It's mouth had closed, and hovering now as it was it's body began to shift again. A strange, deep indentation appeared near it's center.

The Wine Master, his eyes stern, beckoned in the air with his right hand. A flash of silver light, and a scepter appeared from nowhere, now clutched in his palm. The whole length of the weapon shone brilliantly, and at it's crest was a shining gem the size of a human skull. Black and white flashed in the stone's interior.

The elderly gentleman swept his scepter through the air. Where it passed, the air turned silver. The light fanned out, then surrounded him and his two companions. Anything that drew near to them vanished as it touched the screen of light.

Brraaaahhp! In that same instant the beast's mouth cracked open and belched at them. Plumes of violet mist issued forth like a geyser. The monster – having swollen to perhaps three thousand meters at this point – shriveled appreciably with the attack. In the blink of an eye it withered down to around five hundred meters.

The purple gusts of air spread out over a distance of three hundred meters. In the center were Lan Jue, the Wine Master and the Doctor, lost in the toxic mist. The blast of air rose higher and higher until it swept passed the atmosphere. Only once it struck space did it begin to dissipate.

A silvery flash, and the three human challengers appeared outside the creature's area of attack. Both Zeus and the Doctor looked uncomfortable, but the Wine Master proceeded unabated. With brows knitted, he swung his scepter again. This time, an ornate and complicated rune appeared, floating in the air before them.

The old man shut his eyes. The silver aura that surrounded him suddenly flashed bright and powerful. The rune rippled, and suddenly there appeared a shadow, as dark as the depths of space.

The Wine Master pointed his staff at the beast. His aura flashed. The rune disappeared.

The monstrous creature was not unaware of the danger. Perhaps it felt something coming, for it quickly began to turn in mid-air. It's multitude of fleshy wings flapped disgustingly from the effort. However it could not escape, for in the next instant the rune cast by the Wine Master appeared plastered on it's wrinkled body.

The beast replied with an earth-shaking roar. It's entire, hideous form writhed and shook. It's outer layers of fleshy appendages fell away as it tried to shed the rune from it's skin.

However compared to it's enormous girth the rune was only a very small thing. It remained where it was, like it had been branded in to the monster's hide.

The Wine Master lifted his scepter high. "Singularity!"

As the Wine Master's hoary voice filled the air, the silvery rune on the beast's body flashed with power. Once again it began to shrivel and contract. But this time, it's mouth was not the source. Instead the monster was slowly being devoured in to itself, through that silver rune tattooed to it's side.

"Aaghhh! Rgghaaaaooo!" Hideous, pained cries reached them. Struggle as it may, nothing the monster did could free itself from the rune and it's destructiveness. Plumes of caustic mist continued to pump from it's fleshy body in vain attempts to shed it.

It was like the rune didn't really exist here, that it was a ghost of another dimension. It bore through the beast unceasingly, rotating as it did. Intertwining bands of black and white followed in it's wake. It circled again and again, over and under, out and in, leaving devastation where it passed.

It's flesh parted, it's blood flowed. The monster's whole body twisted grotesquely as it was carved up. All of it happened in the space of a few moments. The silver light that assailed it continued to move, continued to grow until it was ten meters in diameter. It moved without care for the monster's gradually weakening cries of pain.

It was clear this black hole, called by the Cosmagus, was slowly devouring their enemy. Zeus and the Doctor looked on in utter shock.

This was the power of a Paragon. The terrifying strength of a true Paragon.

The old man they knew as Skyfire Avenue's Wine Master was gone in that moment. Right now, commanding the power of space and time with his shining scepter, he was the Cosmagus – one of the three Alliance's master Paragons.

Finally, there was hardly anything left of the monster for the Cosmagus' black hole to obliterate. The roiling violet seas below had begun to grow lighter. The shuddering waves of energy had started to fade away.

"Leave some for me!" The Doctor was suddenly shaken from his stupor, and shouted his plea towards the Wine Master.

In response the old man lifted his scepter and drew a circle in the air before them. A cut of wriggling flesh the size of a man's head appeared.

The Doctor hurriedly employed his own interspacial equipment to pull a silver box from nothing. He carefully plucked the squirming remains from the sky and put them inside. As the box shut, it's edges spat a chilling mist. The remains of the giant alien monstrosity was inside, frozen solid.

"What is this?" The Doctor stared at the box, his eyes full of wonder.

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Chapter 144: Phylactery Stone

The Wine Master shook his head in response to the Doctor's query. "I'm not sure. What is clear was that the power radiating from it was intense. Even under strain from my Singularity, it was raising shields to protect itself. Keep an eye on that bit – even the small piece feels like it's full of life. Jewelry Master, tell us what happened here."

Lan Jue's voice was deep and thoughtful. "From what I've gathered after these few hours, I don't believe these beasts are from Taihua. They must have come from elsewhere. How they got here I can't say. The mist they release is destructive, but it doesn't destroy life – it devours it. They use the life force they steal to replenish themselves. The key to their enormous power and size was Taihua itself, and the sheer amount of animals and plants they could sap for strength. The one we just killed was likely their maker. It somehow released eggs across the planet, then used the surrounding life force to keep producing."

"Your most pressing concern should be yourself," the Doctor interjected. "How much longer do you suspect your body can hold out?"

Lan Jue plucked the golden mask from his face. "I have no idea," he said through a tight smile. "I can't tell you the state of my body. Before now I wasn't recovered from an injury. I was at perhaps forty percent of my capabilities. After only a few hours of combat, I was nearly spent. I also hadn't brought any recovery gems. I just had to keep going. Later I used the forbidden art 1 to temper and control the power the decoction granted me. The higher levels of energy needed to maintain it are staving off the decoction's effects.

The Wine Master addressed the Doctor. "Just tell us what needs to be done."

"Well, first we need to get back to ground," he said. "Right now we're all in danger. His powers could spiral out of control at any moment. You keep him in check." The Doctor's face was hard and serious. The undulating electric powers that raced through Lan Jue prevented him from doing any sort of examination.

"Wait a moment." An azure light flashed from above, depositing Thor directly behind Lan Jue. The mecha was swallowed in to Thor's Promise. Only then did Lan Jue indicate to the Wine Master that he was ready.

The old man waved his scepter. In the next instant, they vanished without a trace.

The world flashed around them several times before they were deposited to ground. Lan Jue's body had still not reverted from his Ascension. As before he was still towering over the others, and emitting a dazzling golden light. Erratic bolts of lightning snaked over his body.

"How are you feeling," the Doctor asked.

"Pretty crappy." Lan Jue smirked. "It feels like my body's energies will slip out of control at any moment."

"Yup, that's about right. One of the Fantascia Genetica Decoction's frightening aspects is it's variability. It effects people differently, and the stronger the adept the stronger the reaction. The potency of the energies it stimulates are also enhanced. You already possess a ninth level Talent, and so the decoction has granted you powers equivalent to a Paragon. However your body can't sustain that amount of power. Not even close. If you're going to survive this, we need to drain this excess energy immediately. But this method is extremely dangerous – by it's nature it's very difficult to control an entire energy dump. It could end up totally consuming you. Right down to your life force. Hell, even if you make it I can't say what kind of damage your body will have sustained." Hesitation was clear in the Doctor's eyes as he finished.

Lan Jue didn't appear interested in discussing consequences. He just smiled. "I knew what I was getting in to when I took the decoction. If I live through this it's already better than I anticipated. Alright, just tell me what I need to do."

The Doctor stared fixedly at the enormous Lan Jue. "I really don't like you. You know that, right?"

Lan Jue cracked a grin. "Is it because I'm more handsome than you are?"

"Bullshit," the Doctor spat. "Handsome as a pig's butt-crack. If you hadn't shown up, then management of the Avenue's power gems undoubtedly would have fallen to me. I'd be Skyfire Avenue's Jewelry Master. Worse, after you showed up the Beautician stopped calling me so much. Said you had more class than I did. You can't understand how infuriating that is. Only now, seeing you like this, all I can say is the Clairvoyant made the right decision. I'll get no relief for my sense of justice, but I'll do right by my sense of duty. Now lie down."

Lan Jue rubbed his nose and laid down on the ground. "Why does it feel like you're giving me the 'friendzone' speech." 2

"Shut the hell up," the Doctor ordered. "At this point you're lucky to be alive. I expect ten percent off all future power gem purchases just coming to this hellish house call."

Lan Jue broke in to laughter. "You got it."

"And a bottle of Romanee-Conti if you live," he finished, walking to Lan Jue's side.

"And when will you expect payment?"

"Immediately. Suffering that damned interspacial transfer has it's price. Bottle of conti, no arguments."

"How am I supposed to get you one?"

"Not my problem," the Wine Master piped up. "So you better live. You also have yet to go with me for that bottle we discussed. Some gentleman you are."

"I'll need your help," the Doctor said, speaking to the Wine Master. "I can't get past his body's defenses. Once an opening is established to drain the energy, it'll also need to be controlled. We'll need to guide it, then at the precisely right moment stem the flow. We need to get it just right – too little and the power will kill him. Too much and we'll drain his vital force."

"Alright, just let me know what needs doing and when."

The Doctor hesitated, then fumbled at his collar. He pulled out a necklace, and removed it from around his neck. The swinging pendant strung on it was a purple gemstone that twinkled with a gentle inner light.

Lan Jue's business was power gems, so his eyes lit up in interest as they fell upon the pendant. "Is that a phylactery stone?"

The Doctor frowned. "Of course it is, stop wasting your breath. You better pay me back for it, too! Any equivalent level power gem will do. But another phylactery would be nice."

Lan Jue looked the young man in the eye and nodded.

Phylactery stones were c-ranked gems. Of all the known gems, their energy storage capacity was the greatest. Their energy stores were enough to power a command ship for an entire year. It wasn't the rarest or most precious of the c-ranked gems, but it certainly was one of the most useful. Were a mecha's core gem a phylactery, it could keep up constant battle status for one or two years nonstop.

Of course it's rarity as in line with what one would expect for a c-ranked gem. They were only found on a small planet in the Northern Alliance. It took a hundred tones of the raw mineral to produce a single gem. The small planet only really had about a million tons available for refinement, so once all was said and done there would only be around ten thousand of these gemstones in circulation. A total of ten kilograms. But those ten kilos of gems could run a star bastion – though it wouldn't, it was far too extravagant and wasteful. The North carefully regulated their sale and use.

The one clutched in the Doctor's hand was perhaps thirty grams. It's price couldn't be measured in simple cash.

"Left hand, in the palm. Cut a cross." The Doctor was stern and serious as he spoke to the Wine Master.

Lan Jue opened his hand, and the Wine Master's scepter shined as it shrunk in to the form of a glimmering silver knife. The blade was only seven inches long, with a brilliantly shining surface. However if one were to look closely, they'd see threads of black interwoven with the silver. The opposing colors spun around one another, drawing the eye with their mesmerizing dance.

Lan Jue was keeping the tumultuous powers within him at bay, but not for long. Already the edges of his vision were growing dark. Soon, only the Doctor remained in a world of darkness.

The Wine Master's hand moved with a quick flick of the wrist. A silver cross appeared, stark against Lan Jue's golden palm.

The Doctor sucked in his breath. A bluish-green light flooded out and around him, filling the area with vitality. His right hand fiddled with the phylactery stone, then carefully pressed it against the cross-shaped slice. He turned his head and nodded at the Wine Master.

"Tear." The old man's voice was clear, but quiet. Lan Jue's left hand suddenly shook and the silver cross vanished, replaced with a sudden and violent burst of energy.

The Doctor pressed the gem against Lan Jue's palm with all his strength. Golden blood flowed from around the gem's corners, splattering against the Doctor's white coat. Where the droplets landed, they quickly began to fire off bolts of electricity. The Doctor began to shake and convulse from the shocks.

The Wine Master was at his side in an instant. He clapped a hand down on the young man's shoulder, and a pale silver light wrapped around him like a protective membrane. The slithering arcs of electricity danced over the surface but did no further damage. Still the Doctor trembled, recovering after a few moments.

As he did, the gemstone pressed against Lan Jue's hand had started to undergo a strange change of it's own. It's faint light had expanded in to a glimmering halo that radiated out from it. By virtue of the stone, the spurts of golden blood quickly slowed and stopped. It was acting as a sort of cork to stop up the wound.

The stone began to flicker, casting off sparks of light that appeared and vanished around them. It thrummed and flashed like it had a life of it's own. As they watched, it began to fill with a golden light.

The Doctor released a sigh, no longer shaking from his shock. "Jewelry Master, right now you and the gem have established a link. Phylacteries are strange stones, with the ability to join with almost any form of life. It fuses with anything that possesses a genetic make up. Once it's fused with the host, it'll begin to absorb any energy released by it and release anything else. As a result every gem can only ever have one master. It's for this reason they're rarely directly used with machinery. They are not alive, and thus can't make a link."

1. This mean his Ascension. I'm not sure this is necessarily 'forbidden' but that's how he describes it. Michael's Adventus is another example.

2. In Chinese this is called 'playing the good guy card' – equivalent to my generation's 'dear john' letter. Oh, you're a good guy and all, but why don't we just be friends.

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Chapter 145: Treatment

All s-ranked gemstones were, by their nature, mysterious. Only those with a talent in understanding them were ever able to glimpse their true capabilities. Lan Jue lay upon the ground, and though able to move remained still and listened to the Doctor's explanation. 1

And his blood flowed from the open wound, he felt his body begin to relax. The Phylactery's stones pulsing energies were gentle and soothing, and in fact he felt no discomfort with the process.

Gradually, the internal light of the stone changed to a shimmering gold. It had begun with flecks of gold, and they melded together as the stone drank up Lan Jue's flooding energies.

"Alright, good. Now just focus your discipline in to the stone. Infuse as much as you possible can. Eventually it'll become as part of your body. When you've recovered, the energies inside will begin to be absorbed back in to you." The Doctor spoke over his patient as the process continued.

Lan Jue just nodded. He focused his efforts of moving the unstable energies of his discipline in to the phylactery.

In the beginning he was hesitant to release too much in to the stone too quickly for fear it couldn't support it. However soon he discovered he'd underestimated the power gem's capabilities. No matter how much of his excess powers he flooded in to it, it vanished like salt in the sea waves. The gem swallowed as much as he gave, insatiable. He likened it like the vast emptiness of space.

This caused Lan Jue to breathe a sigh of relief. He let his constraints slip, let his control relax, so that his power could flow at its own pace. His body shone with a fierce golden light that brightened as his power flared.

The Wine Master looked a little apprehensive as he spoke to the Doctor. "How will you know when his power is sufficiently drained in to the stone? How much experience do you have with this?"

The Doctor shook his head. "I only know how to keep him from dying. The effect all of this will have on his body, we'll only know when the process is done. We'll need to do another examination then to know the full extent of the damage. A ninth level Talent, the Genetica, a sudden catapult to Paragon, not to mention his previous injuries… it doesn't look good. Thunderbolt Disciplines are among the fiercest of abilities. It would be best to mentally prepare yourself for the worst.

The Cosmagus sighed. "Do what you can. The Jewelry Master suffered this while saving Taihua and its tourists. It was damn heroic, so we'll do whatever it takes."

The Doctor responded with a sigh of his own. "I must say he's earned my admiration. I can't say I'd have done the same if our roles were reversed. I guess my strengths lie in self-preservation instead of blind bravery. I certainly wouldn't have had the stupidity and courage to effectively commit suicide and take Genetica to do it."

Lan Jue's weak voice wafted up towards them. "Even your compliments sound like curses."

The Doctor smirked. "No one ever said anything about compliments. Tell me with a straight face you're not a total moron. Didn't you give any thought to the consequences?"

Lan Jue laughed quietly. "Actually if our roles were reversed I'm not sure you'd have run like you claim. If you'd have been here to see that monster shooting down airships, to see our compatriots slaughtered, used as food for the creatures, you'd see differently. Something like that really opens your eyes!"

The Doctor stuck a big thumbs-up under Lan Jue's nose. "You win. Now shut up and concentrate. Laughter you won't be laughing."

Lan Jue's expression changed as the Doctor's words were confirmed. His expanded body began to shrink back down as the power racing through him was drained away.

The Wine Master's body shook as he looked on. He knew this meant Lan Jue no longer had the necessary power to sustain Paragon status. But he couldn't stop now, he had to keep draining the explosive power of his discipline otherwise he would be destroyed by it.

"Draw back just a bit," the Doctor ordered. He knelt again at Lan Jue's side and held him down with both hands. Once more that gentle green light flowed through him to the Jewelry Master until he glowed as well.

With each passing moment that his powers were draining, Lan Jue felt that danger receding. He felt as though he were stepping back from a precipice. There wasn't any pain anymore, just… emptiness. Like he was just a shell, like he didn't exist.

Lan Jue's smile was forced, for the situation he faced was even worse than he'd anticipated. Sometimes, it wasn't pain that was to be feared. Sometimes the absence of pain was the most frightening thing.

The phylactery continued to flash, though now sparks of electricity danced on its faceted surface. As Lan Jue's powers waned, he felt his control slipping as well. He was finding it more difficult to direct the flow outward. But the process continued, and after half an hour his body returned to its normal size. The golden tint to his skin had vanished somewhat earlier.

Lan Jue's vitality was weakening. Lying on the ground, he felt it. His face was pale. Not like a man's, but like frost over a statue. His eyes rolled shut when he no longer possessed the strength to keep them open.

Yet the Phylactery Stone did not dim or weaken. On the contrary, it was growing brighter, more vibrant. The stone had buried itself in Lan Jue's palm almost entirely. Only a small part of it remained visible, twinkling furiously. With as much energy as it was drinking from Lan Jue, their connection was powerful.

The Doctor looked on, his face dark. The purgative and healing energies released by his hands had changed. It was no longer a simple green ray, and was instead now an exuberant jadeite. Steam arose from the top of his head, and he was covered in sweat. He didn't look too good, himself.

The Wine Master just stood at the Doctor's side. In this situation, he couldn't help. All he could do was watch and wait. Only Disciplines that lay in a similar vein could support another.

The Doctor's face was hard, a chiseled mask of concentration. "His condition is worse than I anticipated. The Genetica triggered the very core of his abilities, and it's more potent than I've ever encountered. It was evaporating his bold. Any later and I'm afraid he'd have been boiled from the inside. We're not out of the woods yet, either. His organs are still in danger of being burnt and torn apart. His meridians are bordering on total fracture. Only his bones are managing, leaving about a hundred and sixty-three unscathed. The damage he's endured from this is incredible!"

"Is there anything we can do," the Wine Master asked.

"All I can do now if employ my greatest healing abilities. Perhaps they will be enough to help keep his organs and meridians from being completely obliterated. At the same time, I can instigate hematopoietic functions and try to bring it back to homeostasis. Bone fractures will be the easiest to handle. But meridians… there are simply too many in the body 2 and as they break they're like a bowl of noodles in there. Trying to connect them all together again is too difficult. The best I can do is ensure the most important meridians remain intact. Even if he lives, I'm afraid he'll likely end up disabled…"

The Wine Master was well aware of the Doctor's healing capabilities. Hearing the prognosis, his face was bleak.

Ah Clairvoyant… surely it doesn't mean your Visions were wrong? Or maybe someone changed fate. This is already past the point of just appearing dire. If the Doctor really is unable to cure him, then he…

Two aquamarine gemstones had appeared in the Doctor's hands. He placed one in the center of Lan Jue's chest, and the other in his own mouth. Almost instantly the gems began to glow.

An hour passed. The Doctor sat beside his patient, legs crossed, recovering his own powers as he meditated. Lan Jue remained where he was, his skin still pale as snow. The gem on his chest pulsed slowly with his heartbeat.

After an hour of rest, the Doctor stirred and continued the treatment. To him, the man laid out on the floor looked like a human-shaped jigsaw puzzle. It was as though everything within him was fractured as shifted. He would have to be practically rebuilt. It was an enormously difficult process and, had he not immediately employed vast amounts of bioenergy to support the Jewelry Master, he'd likely already be dead.

As they toiled below, the skies over Taihua were gradually clearing. The grey fog that concealed them was dissipating before the sun.

ζ

With a moan, a massive ship broke through Taihua's atmosphere and barreled towards the ground. The East's first contingent of relief troops were inbound.

The ship descended until it was a thousand meters over land, then stopped to hover. The doors opened and several figures issued forth. They fell to earth like dark petals. Or perhaps more accurately, like a dredging net.

They were mechas, and they towered a frightening fifty meters. Each one pulsed with powerful energies. Mechas were separated into many sorts, with different systems. Ten mechas constituted one unit, and the way they fell to earth in perfect formation gave testament to their high battle prowess. The moment they made landfall, they spread out and got to work.

Shrill cries and plumes of purple smoke dotted Taihua. Once the sea creature had been dealt with, the monsters had stopped multiplying. They were being eradicated. Their fate was sealed once their nest was destroyed.

Mo Yu piloted his own mecha, a Mammoth 444 Suit, racing at the front of his unit. The Mammoth 444 was the Eastern Alliance's National Defense mecha system, and every unit had one as the heart of their team.

They were the core defensive unit, the best the East had to offer. They were the pinnacle of mecha research and possessed every weapon they could bolt on to it. Infantry dreadnaughts, and everything that stood in their way was annihilated.

1. Here I think the author made a typo, since he described this gem as a c-ranked gem in the previous chapter. In my estimation it's meant to be S-ranked.

2. Not really. There are twelve normal meridians, eight extra meridians, and some divergent meridians. Doctor needs to bone up on his Traditional Chinese Medicine!

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Chapter 146：Gold 3rd Grade

Two V-Class Swordsmen mechas followed the Mammoth III. These were the melee arm of the unit. Six V-class gunner suits and a white Aegis III were in tow.

Together they comprised an average assault force. A recon unit would likely have replaced their more combat-oriented mechas for other sorts. At present there were ten or so common mecha unit configurations, and the mechas for each alliance didn't differ terribly from one alliance to another.

"Captain, according to satellite imagery the two kilometers thirty degrees to our left are experiencing energy fluctuations. Moreover, the map captures are hazy."

Mo Yu confirmed the information. "Forward, battle formation," he ordered. As the present Emperor-Class pilot, he was the unit's leader. He also bore all the responsibility for their success or failure, and the lives of those in his team. The two V-Class Swordsmen mechas followed behind him in an inverted wing. The others remained a few steps back, the gunners surrounding the Aegis III. As they moved forward, the mechas scanned in all directions, on alert for foes.

They moved inexorably further through the tree cover. For a mecha unit, two kilometers amounted to nothing. As they barreled through the jungle, the trees suddenly parted. Mo Yu didn't need radar to see the two – no, three – people by the water's edge.

What was that green light? They weren't monsters, certainly, so the light must be a result of a Discipline.

"Citizens, immediately identify yourselves. Do it now." Mo Yu's voice boomed at them through the Mammoth III's speakers.

The air rung with the sound of metal as the swordsmen drew their titanium alloy blades. They took up positions on either side of the small group. The gunners hoisted their laser rifles and pointed them at the strangers. The appearance of the ten towering mechas made the scene at the water's edge far more tense.

"We're from Skyfire Avenue." The deep voice rang in the ears of each soldier, as though someone were speaking directly to them in their cockpits. They each were taken aback by the voice, Mo Yu included. Two of the gunners were startled enough to almost accidentally discharge their weapons.

Skyfire Avenue? Mo Yu was of course aware of the place. He was about to continue his line of questioning when a silver light blinded him, cutting him off. The Mammoth II had an impressively thick alloy hull, and yet despite this there appeared in his cockpit a floating emblem that shone before his eyes.

Mo Yu had done his time, he'd been around the proverbial block. He knew what he was looking at. "Interdimensional Discipline."

The oval medallion was a deep maroon, but as it dropped in to Mo Yu's hand ten threads of golden light snaked out from within it. They were bright, powerful, but held no danger. The signal fluctuations were striking.

The master control unit of the Mammoth III sparked to life, delivering its report. "Identity verified: Gold 3rd Grade Military Official."

Gold 3rd Grade?

Mo Yu was nearly struck dumb by the realization. Like any military organization, the East had their own internal military ranking system. The lowest ranking military officers were designated 'Iron'. Acting Second Lieutenants were Iron 1st Grade, First Lieutenants Iron 2nd Grade, and Captains were 3rd Grade. Copper Grade came next, then Silver. Only upper level commanders were Gold.

Single-Planet Generals were Gold 1st Grade. Fleet Admirals were Gold 2nd Grade. Defense Secretaries and the highest generals were Gold 3rd Grade! And this, this was the mark of the Blood-Iron Marshal.

Mecha pilots were the most numerous military personnel in all the three Alliances. Mo Yu himself was only a junior Captain, but had fought his way up to lead his own squadron. He was only a Copper 1st Grade. An infinitely vast difference from Gold 3rd.

Wait, he thought, his heart racing suddenly. Skyfire Avenue! Gold 3rd Grade!

But what did it mean, to have these two together? Denizens of Skyfire Avenue certainly weren't capable of acting as commanders in the armed forces, or Defense Ministers. They weren't even able to work in any higher office. And yet they acted as protectors and defenders of the Alliance.

A Paragon!

This… this must mean one of them in a Paragon! As realization washed over him, the emblem in his grip flashed again, and was gone.

Skyfire. Paragon. Interdimensional power. With those three together, the man's identity became clear.

Mo Yu swallowed hard. His voice rang clear and loud of their dedicated internal channel. "Identity acknowledged, secure our rear. Rescind red alert issued for these three."

The other nine mechas retreated hastily. They turned, almost as one, and directed their murderous focus outward.

The chest plate of the Mammoth II hissed and split open. A simple metal ladder spilled out to get it's pilot to the ground. Mo Yu nimbly slid down the ladder and trotted towards the flashing green light.

"No need to come over," the deep voice curtly commanded.

"Yes, sir!" Mo Yu stopped dead in his tracks. He snapped to attention.

"Eastern Alliance Pilot 34, Captain of the Third Infantry Company's Thirteenth Mechanized Combat Squadron. Squad Leader Mo Yu, reporting for duty!" Mo Yu was rushed, excited. His chest rose and fell with his speedy breath, his cheeks were ruddy.

How could he not be excited? This was a Paragon! As an emperor-class pilot he was naturally an adept himself. Fifth level, to be precise.

He'd learned of the existence of Skyfire Avenue when he was small. The Adept's playground. Home to three Paragons, who protected the Avenue from harm.

Even the Northern Alliance, as powerful as it was, dare not harass the East largely due to these three powerhouses. They were better deterrents than Bastion ships.

A single Paragon's destructive capabilities certainly couldn't match up to a Bastion, however one had to consider the bulk and make-up of a Bastion. Compared to a man? If a Paragon made up their mind to kill someone, their target's only hope was to be a Paragon themselves. It was for this that the presence of Paragons was considered when judging an Alliance's strength.

There were ten known Paragons currently. Seven of them were officially accepted as members of an Alliance – or, rather, there were seven who allowed an Alliance to claim them. They focused their efforts to the betterment of their people, if they so desired.

The North and West boasted two each. But the East, it had three.

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Chapter 147: I Can Save Him!

"I must ask you all to clear the area as quickly as possible, don't allow anyone to come near. One of our companions has suffered grievous injury." The Wine Master's voice was calm, deep.

"Absolutely," Mo Yu responded. "Do you need any further assistance, commander?"

"Make this a restricted area."

"As you command."

Mo Yu cast his eyes to the mysterious trio, silently watching them for a moment before running back to his mecha.

His brief glance at the party revealed that there were indeed three of them, but the green light made any further distinguishing characteristics difficult to reveal. Considering the rank of the man he encountered, he didn't dare press for more information, much less try to spy what they were about. To your average Adept, the Paragons were like living gods. – and the three Masters of the Eastern Alliance were their godly protectors. How could he dream of disobeying?

Three hours later.

"The bone fractures are healed. The damage to his aorta and inferior vena cava has also been reversed. I need to rest for a minute, then I'll get started on reestablishing capillary channels. From this point on we'll start seeing some decent recovery. Thankfully the damage from the decoction was centered in his torso and core. The injuries don't appear to spread to the limbs or head. If it had, it would take powers far beyond my own to bring him around."

The Doctor's face was drawn and pale. He was drenched in sweat, as though he'd been fished from the nearby ocean. Wisps of steam emanated from him. With his diagnosis delivered, he immediately settled down to meditate and recover.

Lan Jue remained where he was on the floor. His breath was coming more ragged than it had before, but looking at him no one would guess his life was in danger.

The Wine Master sighed. After all, even though it looked as though they'd be able to pull Zeus from the brink of disaster, total recovery of his health and Talent would be exceedingly difficult. The destructive power of the Fantascia Genetica decoction had mangled him severely, and total recovery wasn't a sure thing. The worst of the damage was to his meridians, which had been fractured and thrown in to chaos. The Doctor had no means of fixing all of those, and putting them right. His energy was flowing now in to the purple phylactery affixed to his palm, and it was the only thing ensuring his explosive Thunderbolt discipline didn't snap back to obliterate the Jewelry Master.

Right now, their greatest hope was that he'd at least recover to the point where he could live a normal, average life. That he wouldn't awaken an invalid.

The Doctor continued his meditations for the space of a couple hours, then continued with his healing regimen.

"And what about you? Are you holding up?" The Wine Master's deep voice wafted towards the Doctor.

The younger man laughed wryly. "Our Jewelry Master sure did a number on himself with that decoction. But if I wasn't able to handle this, how could I ever hope to be a committee member? Look here!" As he spoke, revitalizing tendrils of green light stretched from all ten of his fingers. They buried themselves in his patient's body.

ζ

"A-Li! Heh heh, a fine brother indeed, here to come and greet me. Where's that kid A-Jue?" Chu Cheng's fiery red hair was easily spotted as he made his way from the entrance of the public air hangar. He chuckled mirthfully as he spied Hua Li, all bundled up like a dumpling. He snapped the pretty boy up in a bear hug.

Hua Li shoved the brash young man away with a scowl. "Oh he's just grand, off vacationing on Taihua. He'll be back in a few days."

"Planet Taihua?" Chu Cheng's face blanched.

Hua Li saw the change in expression, shooting his companion a questioning glance. "What is it?"

Chu Cheng's flippant smile melted away. "I heard it on a newscast on my way here. Something happened on Taihua. But come on, A-Jue's strong enough, even injured, to hold his own or even escape if he has to."

"What?" Hua Li's wide eyes were revealed as he snatched the thick sunglasses off his nose. "But he hasn't even halfway recovered!"

"Its fine, I'm sure," Chu Cheng said, though his face still betrayed concern. "He always brings Thor along with him."

Hua Li was already furiously jabbing numbers in to his communicator. His face grew sullen, and he shook his head wordlessly at Chu Cheng before tapping out another number.

"A-Li! Where are you. You know you're supposed to be here rehearsing and readying your voice. Your concert's in a week. This absolutely must be a success." The rough sounds of an angry female voice burst from the instrument on Hua Li's wrist.

"Mo Xiao, listen to me carefully." The singer's voice was tense and constrained, like a volcano about to erupt.

Mo Xiao fell silent, taken aback by his tone. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I need all the latest information about Taihua," he said. "Also, get Poseidon 1 here as soon as you can. This needs to be done at all costs. A-Jue's stuck out there."

"Got it," she said without hesitation.

Hua LI turned his face to look at Chu Cheng. His red haired compatriot's eyes were narrowed, and a cold hard light lived in them. "I'm going with you."

ζ

Seven hours. Seven tense hours where Death loomed close overhead. Finally the Doctor could bear no more and collapsed. The Wine Master was beside him, and grabbed him before he hit the floor. The younger man looked at him with a smile through half-lidded eyes.

"He won't die. He may not live a happy comfortable life, but at least he'll live." He panted small, shallow breaths as he lay against the Wine Master's chest. The Doctor was too weak at this point to even lift a pinky.

"Thank you."

This brought a chuckle from the exhausted Doctor. "That's all well and good, but I'm going to need to hear it from him when he comes around. But there will always be some issues. There were… so many breaks, fractures through his body. I joined them where I could – bones, joints, vessels, meridians – but he may never fully recover. I've connected together fractured meridians but their energies are routed. I don't have the ability necessary to help him get things back on the right track. We can only wait, see how his healing progresses, then take it from there."

This brought a light to the Wine Master's eyes. "Are you saying there's a chance he could recover his Discipline?"

The Doctor's smile was a bitter one. "There's a chance. A one percent chance, but there it is. In reality, we're hoping for a miracle."

The Wine Master was about to speak further when he was interrupted. He spied the yellow soulcaller gem on Lan Jue's chest flicker. Something flashed through the old man's eyes before he shot his head skyward.

"Come out!" He groped out with his right hand. Suddenly the air split with the sound of broken glass. A thirty-meter long blimp hung in the air where moments before there was nothing.

"Please stay your hand, Chronomagus. I'm here to help Lan Jue." The voice that accosted them was pleasing to the ear, feminine. The Wine Master, angry and ready for a fight, stopped as requested.

Mo Yu and his team of crack pilots were almost instantly aware of the breach. They raced forward to intercept. However, their advance was halted when the Wine Master shot an arm out towards them.

The newly arrived ship slowly made landfall. The doors hissed as they opened, revealing a young woman. Her features were hidden behind a silver mask., but her lithe and elegant figure was clear to all. Her long dark hair hung free at her back, framing a pair of blue eyes. Anxiety glimmered within them. She paid no mind to the gathering crowd around her. She raced to the Wine Master, Doctor and Lan Jue as though the others didn't exist.

The Wine Master placed the weakened Doctor on the floor. His bright eyes watched her come.

Having a Paragon's full attention was not a comfortable situation to find oneself in. And yet this young woman didn't seem the least bit put off. She squatted by the Jewelry Master's side and felt for a pulse. Afterward, her sky-blue eyes showed relief. She looked directly at the Paragon.

"I can save him."

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Chapter 148: Open Your Core

"I can save him!" They were four simple words, but the resolution with which the masked woman said them was comforting. There was even a hint of relaxation behind the words.

The Wine Master was a fine judge of people, and immediately picked up on her easy mood. "Who are you," he asked in a tepid voice.

In lieu of an answer, the girl arose to her feet and plucked a necklace from around her neck. It was simple, with a pale yellow crystal pendant that gently glowed in her palm. She wordlessly pressed it in to the Wine Master's hand. She did the same for the identical gemstone around Lan Jue's neck.

The evidence she provided him required no further explanation. Still, questions rumbled in the old man's mind and his eyes adopted a curious silver light. He dropped them towards the soulcaller gem, which reacted with a strong and sudden golden flare.

"Why the mask?" He handed the necklaces back to the girl.

She clasped one gem around her neck before replacing Lan Jue's. "Because I don't want him to know it was I who saved him. If I am going to heal your Jewelry Master, my one condition is you keep this a secret. It's like you've never seen me before. Once I've done what I can, I'll leave immediately."

Her voice was strange, deep. It appeared she had some means of modulating the sound, but it made her tone no less melodious.

The amazement in the Wine Master's eyes only grew. However, before he could continue his line of questioning the Doctor had come around and begun to make his own commentary.

"I find it curious you have the self-confidence to claim you can heal him all by yourself. I find it hard to believe there's anyone better than me at what I do."

The masked woman slowly shook her head. "I'm no doctor, nor can I heal illnesses. My abilities and my healing methods can only be used with this man alone. I don't know what happened that caused him to end up like this – he shattered like a pane of glass – but I'm confident I can heal him."

The Doctor's brows furrowed. "I don't believe it. We can't reasonably hand him over to this woman. Even with this 'proof' you showed, anything short of him waking up and personally telling us about your relationship I won't accept. Until then his treatment is up to me. Our first priority is his safety."

She was silent for a moment, but soon shot back with a response. "His current prognosis is grim, as you know. If we waste time the situation will only get worse. We need to begin right now. I'm asking you not to get in my way."

Finally the Wine Master joined the exchange. "If you can do what you claim than do so, but first you have to tell us the method you'll be using. We must also be sure you don't mean any harm."

This set the young woman to pondering for a moment. "I'll lower my defenses. Your Excellency can scan my thoughts and Core for any sign of malice. If you do, I'll be at your mercy, and you can end me in the space of an instant. As for my treatment method, there's no point in putting it in to words. When you see me do it, you'll understand."

"You'll open up your Core?" The Doctor was shocked at her preposition, and looked at her with considerably less suspicion. It was clear what opening one's Core to an outsider meant – you were placing your life, everything you were, at the mercy of another person.

An Adept's Core was the most important part of them, the center of their being. It was through the power of their Core that they were able to control the force and instability of their Discipline. It was like she said, if any ill will towards Lan Jue was discovered, it would be she who would suffer first.

"Fine. Get to it." The Wine Master had no time for hesitation. The decision was made quickly.

She turned slightly away from him then, and gently tapped her forehead with her right hand. The small motion set her eyes to changing. The depths of her sky-blue eyes suddenly looked as though they housed a pale mist. What started small, however, quickly grew until it filled her eyes. In an instant they were white a snow, clear as diamond, with no pupil. Just a field of white.

Gradually a glimmering image like a snowflake appeared on her forehead where she'd touched. Gentle waves of energy pulsed from her.

"Energy concealment!" The Doctor whispered in astonishment as he looked on.

It was a surprise indeed, for even at his level of cultivation the Doctor hadn't thought this girl was anything other than average. And yet here she was, veritably pouring with power. This really only had one explanation; she had learned and was employing some method of hiding her Discipline, to make her appear as though she was a normal person.

The snowflake image emblazoned on her head slowly began to rotate. It swirled until it became a milky vortex, and from it's depths began to exude a powerful chill. It was a cold that transcended the body, threatening to freeze one's spirit.

The sudden cold set the Doctor's whole body to shivering. The cold went to his very bones, and yet his sense of exhaustion seemed eased.

What sort of power was this… ?

As the image on her head continue to twist and undulate, a crystalline object slowly revealed itself. It shone behind the snowflake like a star. It wasn't white, but instead was entirely translucent like a shard of ice. It was a Core, and though not large was spotlessly clear – entirely pure.

"Such a chaste Core." The Wine Master hummed to himself in consideration. His silver eyes flashed, and the tiniest spear of shimmering light shot from them to bore in to the woman's Core. It was visible in the immaculately clear depths of the Core, swirling about within as it searched.

The young woman's body shuddered. After a moment she recovered, and her Core vanished once again within her forehead.

She wasted no further time with speech. Immediately she was at Lan Jue's side once more, kneeling beside his supine form. She glanced over him briefly, then blanketed his form with her own.

This close, she could see the contours of his face, how pale and bloodless his skin was. "You hateful bastard!"

She dropped her head to gently kiss his pale lips. Pale lines of light once more began to exude from between her eyebrows. They traced the lines of that strange snowflake.

The small threads of light reached out and hung in the air for a time before turning back in on one another. They pressed close and congealed until they became a single thread of silvery yarn that connected her to Lan Jue.

The Doctor looked on in silence, carefully watching her every move. He knew once she'd agreed to open her Core that she wouldn't dare cause Lan Jue harm, however he refused to believe she had some sort of ability that could do more than he already had. His confidence had surely ballooned since earning the title of Doctor on Skyfire Avenue, and for good reason, so it was his interest and pride that had him burning to discover just what sort of powers this young girl claimed to possess.

The Wine Master's eyes continued to flash with silvery energy. He was able to sense every pulse, ever flutter of the young woman's core, opened as it was to him. Even the quiet, almost invisible pulses of her spirit weren't hidden from him. However, he was careful not to disturb her in the midst of Lan Jue's healing. He watched her, still as stone.

He was a Paragon, almost a god among men, and with that came a great deal of power. Power enough to react the instant this woman had an untoward thought. By virtue of his absolute power over space, he could cut her apart or send her to another solar system.

The mech suits that had been pressing around them at the arrival of the girl, began their withdrawal at Mo Yu's command. They spread out and continued their vigilant guard. That old man was a Paragon, and his orders were to be followed. They awaited further instruction.

Mo Yu remained, and through the information updates in his army mecha's monitor he was kept appraised of the situation. In just a few short hours most of the beasts found on Taihua had been annihilated. Those that remained were few, and scattered. Soon they'll all have been swept from the planet.

The screen flashed as recent statistics came through. It was a calamity, compounded by the fact the planet was near saturated.

In order to protect the ecosystem, Taihua had stipulations as to how many tourists were permitted at any one time. That number was around a million souls. When a planet is considered saturated, that means it's total population of tourists, security and service workers are near to or have met the occupancy limit.

The result of so many bodies and such horrible creatures was no surprise: a slaughter. Recent numbers put the missing at one hundred and fifty thousand. Another three thousand and sixty soldiers would also call this their last, eternal tour. However, headcounts at evacuation showed only about half of their saturated total were accounted for.

One hundred and fifty thousand was a high number, a frightening sum. But half a million…

The satellites surrounding Taihua had been blocked from spying the situation down on the ground. That thick grey mist had covered everything, until in the final moments a blast of air had revealed something. The satellites had caught the final moments of that battle over the sea. It caught only a glimpse, but in those moments the satellite caught three figures battling a colossal monster. The energy reading from below neared the blast power of an expeditionary cruiser.

Mo Yu watched the information filter past his screen, and instantly recognized it. The place he stood now was were the satellites caught their break. That burst of startling power was just a few meters from where he stood.

Without question, it must have been the Cosmagus himself who saved those that made it out. He was Taihua's great protector, guarding against the invaders to keep losses to a minimum. Mo Yu felt his blood racing. He had the honor of guarding a man such as this, a great Paragon and guardian. It was likely the greatest mission of his life.

The countless silken threads of white energy lowly intertwined. As time went on it became an undulating cocoon around both Lan Jue and the young woman. It grew stronger and thickened. As the others looked on, the two figures within became more and more indistinct.

From beginning to end, that young woman didn't move one hair. The Wine Master could feel her through their link, and knew that she was using the best and most gentle method available. She was channeling her own restorative powers to him through their kiss.

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Chapter 149: The Power of the Silkworm and the Mystic Raiment

The great silken cocoon pulsed with power, and eventually their figures vanished from view. Stranger still, there seemed to be no energy fluctuations coming from within – at least, none that the Doctor or Wine Master could distinguish.

The Doctor looked on as well, resting as the strange scene unfolded before him. He watched in silence, absorbed in thought. At the onset he'd watched the young woman work with a distinct light of scorn in his eyes. However, as that cocoon developed and surrounded the two, that light changed to something more dignified. But anxiety and doubt could still be seen. It was as if he'd figured something out only, not entirely. There was still something he couldn't put his finger on.

He wasn't alone in his ruminations. The Wine Master, too, looked consumed by thought. In all the worlds there were only a very few Disciplines he wasn't familiar with. This woman's was one of them.

The energy he'd felt exuding from the girl was infinitely gentle, abnormally pure and far beyond the ken of your average Adept. By his estimation, she possessed a ninth level Talent. It was a great power, despite her weak appearance.

Naturally a ninth ranked healer would have enormously powerful healing abilities, precisely like the Doctor. But there was something strange, and though he didn't know why he suspected her healing abilities weren't so simple as they appeared. She may even be more powerful than the Doctor, for all his training and ability.

Hmmmmnnnnn

Before them the cocoon began to hum and vibrate. The silken tendrils began to quietly break apart and the air around it shimmered with a white aura.

"Hm?" Mo Yu and his team shuffled uncomfortably in their mechas and watched. Each and every one of them were Adepts themselves – you had to be to pilot a mecha – yet none so powerful as the group they stood guard over. They would fight tooth and nail for even a tenth of the power they witnessed.

The sky darkened, suddenly, for reasons unknown to those gathered. Mo Yu's band of armored soldiers flashed as their integrated lighting systems came online. They were shocked, but not simply from the sudden change of light. This was no normal darkness, they concluded. It was a dark that swallowed light up, devoured it. The blazing lamps affixed to the mechas did nothing to dispel the gloom, becoming little more than dim specs in a sea of black. The only thing that pierced it was that white cocoon.

"Changing the laws of nature… ," the Doctor whispered to himself. He quickly scrambled to his feet. With the help of the cocoon's gentle light, he was able to see the Wine Master's face. What he saw mirrored his own shock and confusion.

Yet the Wine Master lifted a hand, silently assuring the Doctor that as was well. After all, he was still monitoring the state of the woman's Core. Without their interruption the shell continued to brighten, making everything around it look blacker still.

Mo Yu sat still as stone in his towering Mammoth III mecha. He linked to the satellites overhead to check their imaging status, to see what they saw. What he found was nothing – the scene looked normal from overhead. It looked like it always had, clear and with no anomalies. The dark could be seen up close, but not from afar. Like some kind of illusion.

This…

A pale fog or steam seeped from the cocoon, white like the light that surrounded it. It was stark and clear against the inky backdrop. As it continued to smoke the plumes congealed until they formed another shell, identical to the one beneath it.

Lights flashed within, beams of it peaking through the cracks. Where the light shone, strange flowery lines appeared upon the shell's surface.

A rapid burst of energy pulsed outward from the cocoon. It washed over the others leaving no trace, causing no harm. But the Doctor and Wine Master, close as they were, felt it keenly when the power washed over them. They could feel their spirit embrace it, filled to brim with it. They sense the pulsing energies enhancing their inner being.

The Doctor swallowed hard. His stunned voice broke the relative silence as he muttered to himself. "I think I know what this is… It means that story must be true, that there really are people with the Silkworm Discipline. Damn… who'd have thought today we'd witness a miracle."

"Crack – crrrack!" The sound was clear and crisp. Fissures had begun to appear on the cocoon's surface. They started at the top and snaked their way down in shimmering golden lines. The emanating metallic light was dim at first, but their intensity increased as the cracks spread further.

The light tore through the pitch black world like a towering golden spear, a pillar of heaven. It rose unimpeded towards the heavens where it split the sky in half. From above the golden light shone down like rays of the sun, bathing the white cocoon in warmth and light.

The golden luminescence sent the darkness running. Everything came under that glow, shimmering in it's embrace. Even the Wine Master, with all his power and ability, was cast away by the force of the golden light. The Doctor was thrown like a ragdoll just behind him.

At last the silvery cocoon split. From within, a wriggling golden form slunk from the ruins of it's protective shell. It was no more than a meter tall, chubby, and covered in intertwining golden lines. It's flesh, however, was white as fresh snow. Almost immediately after escaping from the cocoon it began to grow taller and wider. A second series of cracks could be heard afterward.

A soothing white light began to emanate from the creature, contrasting with the golden glow that bathed everything else around it. It continued to wriggle and change. First were the wings, pure white and powerful. The writhing figure shifted and evolved in to a golden white-jade humanoid.

It was an angelic figure, beautiful, and covered in white light like it was made from it. It was so pure that onlookers couldn't make out any details. Still, the sensation they got simply by looking on was one of great purity and beauty.

The silvery light in the Wine Master's eyes vanished. He felt it clearly now, there was no more question. The small piece of his power he'd left in her core extricated itself, and returned to him. There was no further need for it.

Protomorphism. Indeed, it was a power not unlike his own. Whoever she was, she was already peaking in to the realm of the Paragons.

Such a puny looking thing, capable of wielding a Paragon's Talent. It was nearly inconceivable, but for the fact it was happening before his very eyes. There was no malice in her art, and the Wine Master could sense Lan Jue's condition improve far beyond where he was before she began.

"Rectitude!" The emotional voice thundered around them. The words were simple, but they filled the air like a chorus. As the words faded, the ruins of the cocoon near the white figure vanished without a trace.

It rose to it's feet. Before it was the second cocoon, still housing the woman and Lan Jue in it's protective enclosure. Then, she began to dance. It's movements were gentle, care-free, like a sprite sailing through golden sunlight. The pale white light around it continued to glow soothingly.

As the creature's dance continued, the cocoon adopted a more golden hue. The protomorphic energies at play began to worm their way inside.

"What in the hell is this?" The Wine Master could no longer hold his piece. The Doctor turned his head to look back at the aging Paragon.

"Unless I'm mistaken, this is that Discipline of legend, told to us before even the great Stellar Migration. Pure altruism… Regination."

"Regination?" The Wine Master looked back upon the dancing figure in surprise. "You're telling me this is the Savior, the Queen of the Silkworms?"

The Doctor nodded emphatically. "That's right. The power of the Silkworm and the Mystic Raiment."

The power of the Silkworm and the Mystic Raiment! Nine simple words, but they were enough to cause the Cosmagus to retreat a step. Shock was written clear on his face.

"I was certain this mystical power was lost ages ago. But here it is, before us!"

The Doctor explained: "The legends state that this Discipline, Regination, is passed on only to one member of the family per generation. In actuality it's called the Silkworm Discipline, but they call it Regination because the bearer holds the purist, most altruistic Discipline in the known universe. As one might expect, the Queen of the Silkworms holds no great combat proficiency, but their speed of cultivation is far greater than your average Adept. The power comes with extended life, greater vitality and an almost inhuman physique – but that's it. No forceful attacks or great combat ability come standard. And yet, when the conditions are right, Regination can be the single greatest ability in the history of mankind."

"When possessors of Regination approach a ninth level Talent – quickly, usually, by virtue of their Discipline – they are able to make connections with others. With these connections they are able to transfer their own powers to others. Like this, so long as the person is alive, they can sustain inhuman amounts of harm and come right back. This is what's called 'the Silkworm's Power.'"

"In fact, the more damage someone has sustained, the more benefit they receive from the Silkworm's 'Mystic Raiment', namely that cocoon. The foundation of this healing is the nourishment of marrow and tendons, but the healing seeps way down in to the person's very spirit. Even their Core can be remade, cleared of impurities. They adopt the Silkworm's purity."

"But there are limits. Applying the Mystic Raiment obliterates the Queen of Silkworm's abilities. Afterwards they must start all over, from the beginning, cultivating themselves back to their former power. In the tales it is said a Queen can only use the Mystic Raiment three times in their entire life. After all, this sort of protomorphism has the ability to complete change a person's fate – to upend the laws of nature! Who'd have thought that today, when it was needed, we'd actually witness this power with our own eyes. No wonder she was so sure she could heal him. If even the Mystic Raiment couldn't heal him, he's as good as dead. It looks like our Jewelry Master had a great deal of luck or the grace of God on his side."

As they conversed the dancing figure appeared to grow tired. Her body sagged and her wings extended until they draped over the second cocoon like a blanket. As they looked on the gorgeous creature began to change, becoming liquid. Quietly, the power of the Queen of Silkworms was absorbed in to the shell.

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Chapter 150: Hera?

"What is this place?" Lan Jue blinked, and looked all around.

It was a world of white. Wisps of cool white mist covered the floor below him. The sky overhead was a soothing eggshell hue. Everything… everything around him was that same pure white.

As he peered all around, he was struck with a rather unsettling sensation – he couldn't feel himself. He was here, but at the same time he wasn't. Like he didn't truly exist. His heart sank, for he knew that he was dead. The spirit was capable of living in the place between time and space. A man with enough power of will could stop his soul from escaping to other realms. Was this death? Was he to remain here for eternity?

Just as he begun to sink in to depression the mists around him began to congeal. Not far from himself, a figure appeared through the haze and approached. Each step brought clarity.

A pure, white dress. Long, dark hair and shimmering blue eyes. A face so beautiful it almost hurt.

"Hera!" Lan Jue called out to her, and before he knew it he was pulling her in to his embrace.

The young woman hesitated, but soon acquiesced and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"As long as I get to see you again, I don't care what comes." Lan Jue's voice was soft, almost a murmur. A small contented smile spread across his face. "Had I known all I had to do to be with you again was die, I'd have done so a long time ago. How are you? What happened that day? What did you encounter? Was it really just some disaster, like they claim? Why was it the whole thing left me with a strange feeling?"

Lan Jue did not move, did not react. There was no outward sign, but inside he felt himself fill with joy. His spirit soared with a sense of good fortune.

Nothing else meant anything anymore. Finally he was together with his Hera, and that's all he cared about. Living or dead, he didn't care – so long as they were together. Through the years they were apart, he never put her out of his heart. In his soul, Hera was the only one for him, and here she was.

"And if I hadn't died, would you still have made this choice?" Her voice was soft.

Lan Jue was taken aback. He loosened his grip and placed his strong hands on her shoulders. He looked at her carefully.

"Would you?" She looked back, her question genuine. Those dazzling blue eyes held his own.

Lan Jue took a moment to consider her question carefully. "If there was a one in a million shot at survival, I'd take it. But if there was no choice, no chance, I'd still do it. All just to tell you one thing; your man is no coward. Even if we were to be parted forever, saving these families from the pain I felt would be worth it."

She looked surprised. "So," she said, "in your heart duty is more important than love?"

This brought a grin to Lan Jue's lips. "No," he responded. "This isn't about duty. It's humanity. If I didn't do at least this, how could I call myself a noble?"

The young woman smiled, and drew nearer. She took him in to her gentle embrace. "If there ever comes a second chance, I do hope we can be together. I don't need to know your glory, what honors you've achieved. I just want to be with you. Where you go, I go – my greatest wish is just to see your face."

"Hera," Lan Jue murmured. "My queen. I love you darling."

A strange fog seeped around them, covering the world and bringing a muted silence with it. The mists surrounded the two of them, until everything vanished.

In the rapidly shrinking reality around them, she gently placed her forehead against his own. Two crystalline tears appeared at the corner of her eyes, and traced a line along her cheek. Upon reaching her chin they fell, and landed cold upon his face.

Her breathing had become arduous, and a golden light began to fill her up. Motes of golden light floated through her, from her, in all directions.

"You're sleeping, darling, and that's the good news." She gently lifted her face, and placed a kiss against his lips. She drew back, the shimmering snowflake emblazoned on her head also vanishing in to nothing.

She wrapped him in a hug. It was strange, for instead of feeling empty for her loss, her heart was full. The one she held was her love, her pride. This was her glory, right here in her arms.

The sky above became blue, bright with the light of day. It appeared as though things were returning to normal. Little by little the pale white light from the cocoon dimmed until it was barely visible. The shell, originally definitely a construct of the woman's energy, was a solid thing now. It looked almost like plaster, despite the gentle pulses of vital energy that surrounded it. However, as the others looked on, the cocoon changed once more. This time, it seemed to turn to stone, and it no longer moved.

Then, the sound of tearing.

The Wine Master's eyes hardened at the sonance, and he immediately turned to find the source of the noise. What he saw made his brows furrow.

Mo Yu, too, turned to see. Surprise was clear in his eyes as he saw it approaching. The commands from on high were clear: no one was to approach. What, then, was all this?

It started as a simple blue light, but that lasted only the space of a blink. Before long the light had grown enormous, shining against their gathered faces.

The ship was a hundred and fifty meters long, with a streamlined hull shaped like a dolphin. It slowly drew up to their location, leaving behind a metallic blue contrail. The dazzling tail began to vanish from view even as the ship was stopping.

The side of the ship sported a strange design, lines of gold wrapping around itself. It was circular, with the image of a cresting wave in it's center. The very middle of the complicated design housed a rhomboid blue gemstone.

It was after seeing the design that the Wine Master relaxed somewhat. His brows eased, and his frown dissipated for he knew who it was that joined them.

The door to the ship opened as it docked, and two figured emerged, lit against the ship's bright interior.

Just as Mo Yu was preparing to give his snipers the order, the Wine Master's voice rung clear in his ears: "Don't impede them. They're one of us."

As if on cue, the two figures began to move towards the group. It took them no time to arrive at the aged Paragon's side.

"Cosmagus!" Though Hua Li's eyes were certainly revealing signs of anxiety, the young man still made sure to show the Wine Master his proper respect with a bow. The fiery red haired youth at his shoulder followed suit.

"You're here for the Jewelry Master I assume?" The Wine Master asked.

Hua Li nodded his head.

Their conversation was interrupted when the Wine Master's ears picked up a sound.

"Cosmagus, don't let them see me. The treatment is almost complete. Get them out of here – they can see Lan Jue when I've finished."

The voice was soft, but clear. The Wine Master, in response, raised his hand and motioned in the air. Much to Hua Li and Chu Cheng's surprise, the world warped around them as they were swallowed in to the void.

They found themselves in some interspacial reality, composed of flickering silver light. Clearly this place was unstable, but remained safe so long as the Wine Master was present and exuding his power.

"C-cosmagus, what's the meaning of this?" Chu Cheng piped up, a scowl on his face.

"The Jewelry Master is currently undergoing his treatment," the old man responded. "It should be complete soon. It is important that you don't interrupt the process. I must ask you to wait patiently until it's complete."

Hua Li did not take the request happily. "What's wrong with us watching A-Jue get treated?"

The Wine Master tried to reassure them. "Please, you two, be at ease. The Jewelry Master is a member of Skyfire's Council, a very important friend to us. My own care and attention is no less than your own. Unfortunately, how we treat him is a Skyfire secret. I can tell you that he'll be fine, however."

It worked, and both Hua Li and Chu Cheng breathed a sigh of relief. A Paragon's assurances were more than enough for them. On top of that, both the Cosmagus and the Clairvoyant of Skyfire were well known for their trustworthiness.

"We saw what happened on the way to Taihua," Chu Cheng said. "Those monsters that showed up so suddenly, they had to have come from off planet, am I right?"

The Wine Master explained. "As far as we know, yes. But where precisely they come from we haven't determined. We'll need to do more research. The monsters themselves were not weak, and appeared quickly from nowhere. We did discover that they have a powerful phagocytic ability that devours all life around them, which they use to nourish themselves. Just moments ago we took out their progenitor, some sort of living nest out there in the sea. It appears the others monsters we've encountered here originated from that beast's body. Afterwards they spread out and began absorbing the planet's vitality, which made them stronger. The stronger they became, the higher the demand for life energy, and so they just kept killing everything they came across. As for their purpose or goal, we haven't been able to discover anything as of yet. Your companion the Jewelry Master showed great courage and nobility, taking out as many as he could. He waded in to the densest areas of the fight to save the tourists trapped there. It was largely due to him that the death count here is as low as it is. Things could have been much, much worse."

Chu Cheng couldn't help himself, and pressed for more information. "You're sure A-Jue will come out ok, Cosmagus? He was hurt before all this happened. According to what we've been able to discover, he was fighting for a long time out here. If the creatures were as strong as you say, then he…"

The Doctor rose to his feet at cut the Divine Monarch off. "He'll be fine. The treatment being employed will work so long as he still has breath in his body."

Hua Li swept his eyes to the young physician. "I'm sorry, we haven't met. You are…?"

The Doctor's heart was in chaos. On the one hand he was intensely excited to have witnessed such a miracle as the Queen of the Silkworms, saving a Talent who by all known medical science should be dead. Of course his pride wasn't in such fine spirits.

"You may call me Doctor. I'm also a member of the Avenue."

"Greetings, then," the two mercenaries hailed. Knowing the man was a Doctor, and was present for A-Jue also brought them some measure of peace.

A short time passed, then the Wine Master once again raised his hand. The world twisted uncomfortably, shifting until Chu Cheng and Hua Li once more felt solid ground beneath their feet.

"Huh?" Almost immediately Hua Li noticed changes. The stone-like object that was before them when they arrived was cracked, revealing a large fissure. The small ship set not far off when they arrived was also missing.

Chu Cheng, impatient as he was, was gone in a flash and appeared before the stone. It didn't take him long to spy Lan Jue within, naked as the day he was born.

His face was ruddy and flush. His chest rose and fell with even breaths. Golden light still danced on the surface of his skin, the last evidence of his struggled. He looked better than new.

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Chapter 151: Aftermath

Hua Li followed Chu Cheng to the strange rock. They both had to see with their own yes the result of this treatment. Lan Jue did indeed look like he was going to be fine.

The Doctor pushed passed them to his patient, and placed his hands over his body. Almost immediately the familiar virescent glow encompassed them both. After a few moments of concentration, the Doctor's surprised voice arose.

"All his meridians are as they should be, no longer broken or tangled. Blood flow is one point five times normal rate, vital signs are good. Skin elasticity about twice as good as it was… and that's all I can see now. The rest I suppose we'll discover later. It's almost inconceivable, I mean his meridians were a mess. Now it's like nothing ever happened. They weren't kidding when they said -"

"A-hm!" The Wine Master's sudden cough stopped the Doctor from going further.

The Doctor knew his cue, and stepped over to join the other three. "The Jewelry Master is already in much better condition. All he needs now is rest. He'll wake up on his own after a little while."

Hua Li narrowed his eyes, but he did recognize how much better Lan Jue looked. He relaxed visibly with the confirmation there before him. He turned then to the paragon and spoke in deferential tones. "Sir, are you and the Doctor planning to return to Skyfire soon?"

The Wine Master nodded.

"If the Cosmagus would prefer, we could take Poseidon 1."

"I appreciate it, thanks for taking the trouble."

Ten minutes later, the group was safely aboard Poseidon 1 as it rose. The ship dissolved in to a brilliant blue light, streaking off towards the heavens, then was gone.

Their escape was quickly followed by the arrival of dozens more ships. The destruction of Taihua was monstrous, and the aftermath would require a great deal of manpower and effort to address. First, of course, would need to be a search and rescue operation for the missing. It would be an exhaustive process to finalize the list of the dead – and then, the families had to be told, and compensations made.

ζ

The airship shuddered gently as it began its descent.

"Hm?" Tan Lingyun awoke with a start from deep sleep. Her body protested every movement with aching pain and groaning joints that caused her to moan in discomfort.

Her eyes were hazy, like the area around her was covered in a fog, but with each passing moment her vision cleared.

"Where am I?" She suddenly shot up to a sitting position, assailed by the crippling pain in her muscles. She winced against the discomfort, trying to look in all directions at once.

It was clearly the interior of a ship. Empty. Save for herself, it looked like there wasn't anyone else around. It wasn't a large vessel, and judging by the interior it was for civilian use.

She patted her forehead, urging her sluggish mind to recall the details of the last few hours. What stood out most among the haze was a towering blue figure. But there was more. Eyes, stately eyes that glowed gold.

Such a powerful mecha! Was that the thing that saved me?

"You're up?" The voice that greeted her was somewhat curt.

Tan Lingyun turned in time to see a decidedly disheveled Wang Hongyuan exiting the cockpit.

"You? It was you who saved me?" Tan Lingyun's surprise was anything but concealed. Her expression was incredulous. Was it even possible that this dance instructor was the one who piloted that magnificent mecha?

"No, not me." Wang Hongyuan's voice faltered, and his eyes grew distant as though lost in a painful thought.

"Not you… then who?"

"I'm not sure," he replied. "Some blue mecha just deposited you on to the ship. Then it was gone as quick as it'd come."

Tan Lingyun's face fell. She struggled to remember any detail of what occurred, but the more she fought the less she remembered. Only that sapphire machine and those golden eyes.

The reason she stayed behind came back to her all of a sudden. "And Professor Lan?"

Wang Hongyuan hesitated. The briefest flash of sadness darkened his features before he spoke. "I don't know. We got separated."

Tan Lingyun, the powder keg that she was, immediately burst in to a rage. "Separated? Didn't you run out there like an idiot specifically to get him and bring him back? He's just some man, and you're supposed to be an Adept with power. You're telling me you couldn't even protect a single teacher? You're as garbage as I've always said you were!"

Her sudden outburst took him by surprise, but contrary to their earlier spat the dance instructor did not attempt to refute her curses. "You're right," he muttered."

"Compared to him, I am garbage. Go, we've already arrived on Skyfire and its time to disembark. I take full responsibility for Professor Lan's disappearance.

Tan Lingyun took a deep calming breath. She spoke again when she regained some measure of composure. "I'm sorry. It wasn't meant to be directed at you, it's just with what we saw, if he isn't here it likely means… I'm just upset. I'm sorry!"

Wang Hongyuan met her apologies with a sad smile. "You aren't wrong. We're the lucky ones to get back alive. But I, at least, don't deserve to be. I am not as courageous as the others who stayed behind to help. After a catastrophe like this, things have become clear."

Tan Lingyun sorrowfully nodded her head. "Let's go… there's still a lot we have to do."

ζ

"This is the Eastern Alliance News Network, bringing you the latest information from around the galaxy. We've just begun receiving reports from Taihua, where we hear a terrible attack has occurred. Monstrous beings from outside of our galaxy attacked the tourist destination. Preliminary reports say that as many as thirty percent of the visitors lost their lives in the ensuing chaos. This truly was a terrible tragedy for everyone involved. Thankfully a number of stranded and missing tourists have already been found as rescue operations continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims."

"Satellite video and images from around Taihua were uncovered, revealing a number of heroic individuals who fought the fiends themselves. Undoubtedly their brave deeds saved untold lives. We will continue to look in to the events on Taihua, and the identity of those heroic people. Whoever you are, we salute you."

"Already we've heard of both the North and Western Alliances calling Chief Minister Zhou to offer their condolences. They've sworn to cooperate with our own agencies to try and uncover where these beasts came from, and what exactly they want."

"The Goby Entertainment group has pledged ten transport ships for use in the search and recovery effort, in addition to their state of the art facilities which they've graciously opened up for use during this catastrophe. This comes with a donation of one hundred million NED which they hope can help in discovering where the aliens came from, and bring some small measure of peace to the bereaved."

ζ

Jin Yan sat within the electives building, stunned and silent. She stared off in to the distance, with images of Taihua racing through her mind. She still felt like she was locked in that nightmare, unable to free herself from the fear of certain death. Her body was still shaking.

In the whole of the office, there was only her. When they'd returned, it was Wu Junyi's first order of business to send all the teachers home to rest. Jin Yan, however, didn't know what do. After what felt like half a day she stirred herself to move. Her feet led her here.

She'd been kept appraised of the events as they unfolded, and knew that the last of their number had come back, Wang Hongyuan and Tan Lingyun. Professor Lan was nowhere to be found.

Is he really gone? When she'd heard, it was like the world went dark. The ring of the class bell chimed in her mind, with his voice calling over the din: "This is nobility!"

That elegance, his impish grin, that noble countenance. They all lingered in her slowly beating heart.

Gone… missing! What about Jin Tao? Where did he bring my brother? With him gone, what about the boy? What am I going to tell our parents?

She sat in the encroaching darkness, lost.

She was roused when the sound of footsteps came from down the hall. Clunk, clunk, clunk.

Immediately her head shot up, grasping at the unlikely hope that she'd see that thin figure rounding the bend and entering the office. Desperately praying she'd face him again.

But it was not to be.

White shirt, black suit, slick black hair. Wang Hongyuan silently entered the electives office.

Without a sound, he walked in, making his way towards the far window where Lan Jue had chosen his desk. He stood before the vacant chair for a time, then dropped to his knees and bowed.

"Wang Hongyuan…" Jin Yan slowly rose to her feet.

The dance instructor rose to his feet and turned to face her. His face was pale and drawn. "Professor Jin," he muttered.

Her response came hard and bitter. "Do you really have no hope that Professor Lan will come back alive?"

He stood silently before her, shifting from foot to foot. It was a dozen long seconds before his sunken voice replied. "I can tell you that he was a damn hero. But I'm afraid…"

Jin Yan's eyes were red and swollen. "Whether or not he's a hero isn't important. I'm only interested in whether or not he'll be coming back!"

Wang Hongyuan said nothing further. His own eyes were red from tears. The Etiquette teacher's final words before they parted were still fresh in his memory.

Beep, beep, beep! Jin Yan shook with a start as the communicator on her wrist vibrated. She looked down out of pure habit, but was met with an unfamiliar number.

Still, she answered.

"Hello, who is this?" Jin Yan fought valiantly to get her voice under control, forcing the sadness down.

"Hello Professor Yan. I was hoping you could help me ask for leave. I'm afraid I'll need a few days of rest before I can return to work." The voice that greeted her on the other end of her communicator sounded tired and worn.

She looked at the contraption on her wrist like it was made of snakes. When she did talk, her voice was several octaves louder than she intended.

"Professor Lan?!"

Hearing her cries Wang Hongyuan rushed to her side. He stared at the number with eyes wide as saucers.

"It's me. After helping where I could I took another shuttle back. I'm already back on Skyfire. Please tell Director Wu and the others not to worry over me. I'll be back to work in a few days.

She couldn't help it. The tears she'd been fighting came unbidden to her eyes and rolled down her pretty cheeks. Only these were tears of a different origin. And as her body shook it was not from fear or sadness, but joy and relief.

Wang Hongyuan grabbed her wrist and pulled it towards him. "Lan Jue, it's really you? You really aren't dead?"

Lan Jue's response was a tepid one. "Disappointed?"

Wang Hongyuan scowled at the communicator. "Why didn't you let us know earlier?!"

"What's this about," Lan Jue challenged. He sounded uncertain.

The dance teacher was quiet, a flood of emotion crossing his face before settling on a small smile. "I'm just glad you're alright!" With that, he cut the connection, then with as much force and ferocity as a thunder strike he grabbed Jin Yan up in a hug.

Jin Yan yelped. Her tears had stopped, but she heard the choked sobs coming from her shoulder.

"He's alive… alive. Thank whoever'll listen the bastard made it! Hah! He made it!"

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Chapter 152: Lan Jue's Uncertainty

Lan Jue was propped up in one of Poseidon 1's spacious and comfortable lounge chairs. He had come to about an hour earlier, but still felt out of sorts.

Poseidon 1 had already entered Skyfire orbit by this point. It would be perhaps another hour before they were on the ground. He'd used Hua Li's communicator earlier to get in contact with Jin Yan – hers was the only number from the NEU staff he could remember.

Wang Hongyuan, this guy… A smile crept across Lan Jue's face.

He turned his head and looked at the Doctor, sleeping fitfully nearby. He shook his head, deeply impressed.

He had no idea the young physician possessed such talent in healing. At the time he could feel the cold grip of death reaching out for him. He could sense his own body and the damage it had been dealt; the broken bones, the fractured meridians, the injured organs. After the decoction, he certainly should have died. Just the fact he was still breathing was a miracle. But here he was…

The golden tint that had overcome him after taking the potion remained, but it had dimmed considerably. Now, only a closer look would reveal something out of the ordinary. It became more apparent, however, if the skin was palpated.

His various meridians and collaterals were firm and unobstructed, in better condition than they had been for years. The benefit extended all the way to his Core, which was safe and stable in the hollow of his chest. Shadows of golden lightning still hung around it, but there was no danger. He'd been awake only an hour, but he could feel himself improving rapidly. Already he gathered he was about halfway to total recovery. All in all he couldn't be healthier – not a scratch remained from his earlier fight with Michael or his time on Taihua. Even the secondary effects of the Fantascia Genetica decoction were absent.

Could this be because of the Genetica? Could it have remolded him after he survived the initial rush of power? But that would simply be too amazing to fathom. The Western Alliance have had this technology for an age, but their research never uncovered anything like this. So the more practical answer was that the Doctor somehow brought him back from the very brink of death.

The questions rattled around in Lan Jue's brain. Unfortunately, he couldn't get an answer out of anyone. Chu Cheng and Hua Li claimed the Doctor had completed his treatment before they arrived. The Doctor himself was asleep. The Wine Master would only tell him it was a miracle.

It was quite the damn miracle.

"We're about to encounter atmosphere. Please return to your seats and fasten your seat belts." The electronic voice filled the cabin and shook Lan Jue from his reverie. The smile on his face spread further.

Whatever the causes he was still breathing, and the experience was certainly something. Going through it brought him a strange sense of peace. Perhaps this was part of a new beginning, a fresh start. There was still so much in the universe for him to enjoy. Not to mention, acting the hero felt pretty good. He was starting to understand why his big brother had stayed in the army all these years. He'd gotten a taste for what it was like to be a guardian.

He lifted his left hand as he pondered, and stared at his palm. The slightest hint of a purple stone stuck out, no more than a centimeter. Occasionally bolts of golden lightning would flicker in its depths.

The Phylactery Stone! Already the power gem was becoming a part of him, inexorably tied to his life force, like it's been there all along. The frightening power of the Genetica – the power that catapulted him in to the realm of the Paragons – was safely contained within. If he concentrated, he could feel maddening fury of it.

What he owed the Doctor couldn't be rectified with simple things, not just for saving his life but all the other positive side-effects he'd accrued here. He had just been saved from the brink of death – good things were sure to follow. The stored energies in the phylactery were only secondary, for there remained the protomorphic abilities he'd gained while a Paragon. Of course he wasn't a real Paragon, not yet, so the powers were weak. But they were there. Whether when employing his Ascension or achieving Paragon status in the future, what he'd lived through would certain prove to be invaluable.

Hhrrumnnn… Poseidon 1 shuddered gently as they struck atmosphere. Half an hour later they were in the Public Hangar, with a private Gobi cars already waiting for them.

"So how are you feeling, A-Jue?" Hua Li rose to his feet and stretched, dispelling the travel fatigue.

Lan Jue smiled. "Can't get any better than where I'm at. Maybe too good, actually. I'd really be curious to know how it is I'm not a cripple."

Hua Li's response was sans his usual flippant demeanor. "Best not to look a gift horse in the mouth. You have no idea, when we couldn't get you on your communicator we were sure you were dead. Luckily the Cosmagus and the Doctor were around to save you. How about the next time you go out to handle business, you keep your suicidal impulses to a minimum?"

Lan Jue lifted his hands in front of his defensively. "Alright, I concede. I'm still in recovery, don't go teaching me any lessons."

Hua Li stuffed his hands in his pockets, and flipped his fop of blue hair dismissively. "Fine, I have to go prepare for the concert anyway. If I miss any more rehearsals, I'm afraid Mo Xiao will bite me. Alright Chu Cheng, this bastard's your responsibility now."

Chu Cheng chortled. "I'd heard from A-Jue before that there was this old coot of a Wine Master on the Avenue who operated out of a Gothic-style winery. I've been wanting to take a look for myself since forever. It's supposed to be full to the rafters with excellent spirits. What kind of drunkards would we be if we didn't raid the place at least once?"

The Wine Master, himself just arrived from a nearby seat, stopped in his tracks to glare at the red-haired young man.

Lan Jue shot Chu Cheng a warning glance, but the airhead didn't notice. He had to cough a few times before his fellow mercenary got the hint.

The Wine Master clapped a hand on to Chu Cheng's shoulder before taking the lead and exiting the airship. His pleasant voice wafted towards them from over his shoulder. "The Gothic Winery welcomes you."

"Eh…" Chu Cheng may have been an airhead, but that didn't mean he was stupid. He slowly turned his head to stare at Lan Jue, eyes wide.

"Don't tell me the Cosmagus…"

Lan Jue grinned, apparently pleased with his lot. He patted Chu Cheng on the shoulder as well. "I'm not sure if I should call you homie or halfwit. Think about it, if you're planning to store fine wines from the former area, wouldn't interspacial abilities come in rather handy?"

"Ah, I guess you're right."

Hua Li suddenly interjected. "A-Jue, Jin Tao's situation is good. Normal. He's currently in Deep Sleep, triggered from the genetic changes. I have Mika monitoring him. You should go talk to all your ladies, actually. Are they aware of what happened on Taihua?"

This caused Lan Jue to laugh. "Of course not. If they did I'd already be getting an earful."

Chu Cheng's shot him a cool grin. "No? I'm pretty sure they do. I just heard the recent news reports, they're even streaming pictures and video from Taihua satellites. They're even saying stuff about these heroes that were there for the fight. Are you sure they didn't get any footage of Thor? On top of that your communicator's been offline. How do you think they'd react if they couldn't get a hold of you?"

"W-well…" Lan Jue stopped, his face changing to a look a distress as he snatched Hua Li's communicator and dialed in a set of numbers.

"Boss, are you ok?" Mika's voice arose from the other end.

"fine, fine. I'm already back on Skyfire. See you in a little while." He was working hard to keep any fatigue or worry from his voice. He sounded the very spirit of ease.

"The boss is back," she said to someone next to her.

"Long live the boss!" A second perky female voice answered.

He didn't expect her voice to change to a threatening growl so quickly, but when she spoke again he could feel the anger. "So you sneak off to Taihua for a vacation, run in to this catastrophe, and then lose your communicator. Do you have any idea how worried we were? We're already aboard Zeus 1. Any later and we'd already be on our way to Taihua."

"I'm sorry, forgive me!" Lan Jue chuckles sheepishly. "My communicator was broken in the scuffle. I'm fine, really. Perfect condition. Oh, and then that means you guys are here at the hangar. I am too, on Hua Li's Poseidon. Let me go out and join you."

Chu Cheng couldn't hide his mirth, and chuckled heartily at Lan Jue's side. "That's what you get for getting enjoyment from other people's misfortunes! At least you're treating those ladies well. By the way, Hua Li was telling me their full on babes. Xiuxiu's off the table, but you definitely should introduce me to those other three. Mmm mm."

"Get lost!"

Despite Lan Jue's desperate hopes, not a single happy face met him when he joined his Amazons. Even Xiuxiu, the sweetest and warmest of the bunch, stared at him with a cool indifference.

"Ugh, A-Li! Look, we just have the one verti-car. Too tight. How about we call another to come take me back." Lan Jue sounded guilty, a dog with his tail between his legs.

"Boss!" As a single, pissed off unit the girls stamped their feet and glared at him, hands on their hips.

"Forget I said anything." Lan Jue hastily bade farewell to Hua Li and Chu Cheng before clambering in to his own verti-car.

Whoosh! In a flash they were on their way back to the safety of the Avenue.

Chu Cheng watched him go, then blinked like he was slapped in the face. "This guy, no humanity! He just left me here!"

"Right?!" Hua Li glowered at the rapidly vanishing verti-car. "Come on, I'll take you in."

Chu Cheng answered in lilting tones. "How about you eh? Other than Mo Xiao, you got any hotties following you around? Just a little eye candy, amiright? That guy there's trying to build a harem, I tell you. Worse, it's a harem he doesn't even use. What a waste1! He obviously doesn't realize that waste and corruption are man's greatest sins."

"See ya!" Hua Li clapped his hands, then turned on a heel and made to leave.

"H-hey now, A-Li, you can't just throw me away here! Look, I didn't say nothin'. Worse comes to worse I suffer a dry spell for a few days, right? Wait up…"

"Get lost!"

ζ

Within the McKelly P12 Verti-Car

The atmosphere in the car was stifling. Mika and Lin Guoguo sat up front, while Lan Jue sat between Xiuxiu and Ke'er.

All four women stared ahead with sour expressions. Not a word was spoken.

Lan Jue wanted to say something, but every time he opened his mouth he couldn't summon the words. All he could do was shut his eyes and try to nap.

1. Lol, what a pig.

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Chapter 153: The East's Sorrow

The high-altitude verti-car steadily made its descent to the southern parking lot behind Skyfire Avenue. The two doors spread open like mechanical wings, and four attractive women exited.

"Stop faking boss, we're back." Mika called to Lan Jue, lazily sitting in the back seat with his eyes shut. She still didn't sound pleased with him.

"Eh… oh, we're here! I'm so tired, I'm just going to go right in and head to my room. Just so so tired." Lan Jue pulled himself from the car and groggily stumbled towards the Avenue.

Zeus' four amazons naturally fell in to formation around him, placing their boss in the center and walking back towards the shop.

Inwardly Lan Jue was fighting a smile. Dismissing the ladies this time would prove to be a daunting task.

The door to the jewelry shop opened, and he once again found himself in that world of sapphire blue. Lan Jue stopped and raised his hands in a show of capitulation. "Alright, ladies. This is all my fault. Whatever you say is how it'll be, and I'll accept my punishment without question. Ok?"

Xiuxiu's eyes were red, and wet from tears. "How could you be like this, boss? Even with your injuries you still sneak out. Then this happens, you're out there all alone and what are we supposed to do?"

"Don't cry Xiuxiu, don't cry." Lan Jue hurried to comfort her.

Ke'er was next, and stuck out her ruby lips petulantly. "You're the one talking about punishment. We just want to talk about what happened and be clear."

"That's right," Mika's strict voice interjected.

Lan Jue looked towards Guoguo to save him from the angry ladies, but was met with her pained expression.

"So what do you want me to do," he said helplessly.

Ke'er moved to his side, dragging a stool behind her. She forced Lan Jue to sit. Mika saddled up before him. "Three rules. Agree and we'll forget all about what happened today, otherwise… otherwise we're all leaving. After all, if you can't even consider your own safety, you can't be expected to take care of us. If that's the case what are we still doing here? Right ladies?"

"That's right!" The other three women chimed in.

"What is this a mutiny?!" Lan Jue glared at the four of them in turn before rising to leave. However, before he could get far the four women converged on him. Four sets of sad, pained, angry eyes pinned him in place. Under their unified assault his indignation was useless. He sat back down.

"Alright, fine. Speak your piece," he grumbled.

Mika continued. "First, we must always be appraised of your whereabouts."

"Second, no matter where you go, at least one of us must be with you at all times," Xiuxiu added.

Ke'er was next. "The third we'll hold in reserve. If something else crops up that needs dealing with, we'll revisit this rule."

Lin Guoguo was last. "In conclusion, I hope you understand that your life isn't your own. What happens to you has an effect on all of us. You absolutely mustn't ever dump us again to go galavanting. If you want to see us cry, then go right ahead. But that's when we leave you forever. We're here for you the same way you're here for us, so if there really is a problem you have to face we'll be there to look after you. Like we said when facing the Archangels, we live and die together."

"That's right!"

"You heard it."

"Mmhm."

It would take far more than any normal man possessed to stand against the pressure these four Amazons were putting on Lan Jue. He almost felt himself breaking out in a cold sweat. "Ok, you got it. I agree completely, settled?"

Mika towered over him. "Take this seriously!"

Lan Jue wordlessly and vehemently nodded his head. Finally, the slightest hint of a smile spread across her face.

"Long live Zeus and the Amazons!" Ke'er shot her fists in the air, then high-fived Lin Guoguo. Xiuxiu's teary eyes dried instantly. Mika stood there looking infinitely pleased with herself, hands on her hips. "Remember boss, a real man stands by what he says!"

Lan Jue was helpless, and simply sat looking at the four victorious ladies. But despite his dressing down, in the depths of his heart he was proud and appreciative.

Ah, home. Indeed, this was his home. And these women weren't his maids or servants, they were more like sisters. With them near, this was home.

Ke'er tittered as she bounced happily to Lan Jue's side. "You look tired boss, let me give you a back rub."

Lin Guoguo followed her. She snapped up Lan Jue's left hand. "I'll relax your hands."

Xiuxiu wordlessly moved to his right, getting to work on his arm.

Mika dropped to a knee and shot him a charming smile. "Foot rub?" 1

Lan Jue's voice was serious when he addressed them. "I will not be fooled by your sugar-coated bullets!"

One minute later.

The sound of fitful snoring filled the shop.

"The boss really was tired." Ke'er's fingers danced from Lan Jue's shoulders up to his head. She gently kneaded his scalp.

Xiuxiu replied, her voice terse. "Those beasts on Taihua must have been terribly dangerous, and we still don't know what happened. It's clear he doesn't want to talk about it. From what the news is saying, it must have been terrible."

Lin Guoguo sniffed in agitation, though the look she shot Lan Jue was gentle. "He stayed back to help save the others, otherwise how would his abilities have recovered like this. If he wasn't already hurt those monsters wouldn't have stood a chance."

"Not of that matters to me," Mika sad harshly. "He's my boss, I want him to be safe and at ease. If he died, I'd probably bury myself with him." Her hands inadvertently increased their pressure as she massaged his leg.

Lan Jue stirred somewhat. The Stygian Succubus quickly reigned in her anger, and her grip softened.

ζ

A bloodcurdling roar tore through the dense forest.

"This is Gamma Unit. Gamma Unit reporting. We've encountered some sort of orangutan-like monster. It's quick, and very strong. Our laser rifles aren't doing anything. We need some support, send backup right away."

"Wait, look out. Ah! Com-"

A series of pained screams arose. All was dim, chaotic.

A dazzling, clear blue figure appeared then. In the blink of an eye the purplish beast was burnt black as coal. It didn't even have time to scream.

"Ah! What the hell was that?! A mecha! A huge one. We're saved, saved! Hell yeah! These must be the reinforcements."

"Damn! Look up there, what the hell is that? Watch it, it's coming straight for our ship."

"No good. Look there, that ship's been wrecked. It's coming right for us. Full speed ahead. Full speed!"

"It's too late!"

Suddenly, a resplendent flash of golden light washed over them. A dazzling sapphire figure thundered by, followed by a monster's pained cry.

The maroon mecha moved with terrifying speed. It vanished in a flicker of sanguine color, appearing again a moment later in another spot. The monster it was facing was cut asunder. The machine continued on without any hesitation, like it was duty-bound.

A group of trembling children stood below it, none older than perhaps ten. Another group of adults were no far off, lying in a pool of blood. It looked as though they had died warding the children from something.

The purple monstrosity collapsed to the floor with a thud.

As the mists faded, the dark red mecha became more distinct. It reached out its large mechanical hand and gathered the kids together.

"Mama-!"

"Daddy!!"

Their shrill cries for help hung in the thick air of the forest. Unfortunately, their parents could no longer protect them.

The images shone on every eye, three-dimension and stark. As the news images flickered from the holographic emitters, the heart of every on-looker was heavy with terror over what they saw.

Time and again the red and blue mecha appeared before them, fighting off beasts and protecting tourists. The most frequently spied was the sapphire mecha, but it was too fast for the satellite images to get a clear picture. Still it's flashing bolts of lightning were unmistakable, and with each burst of energy another monster was slain, and another group saved from certain death.

The news also showed another, a young woman covered in green light, who battled the creatures with nothing but a machete.

And then the golden man, with blades of light in his hands that ended whatever beast crossed his path.

Most striking, however, was the last few images. They revealed an enormous colossus, far larger than all the others. It writhes in pain as a quiet silver light slowly carved it in to pieces.

Viewers stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed as the images flashed past them. They fought to watch through misty eyes and choking sobs.

The videos and images continued for another half an hour before they finally stopped. They were replaced with the pretty face of a female news anchor.

"What you're witnessing is an unprecedented disaster, one that invariably fills each of us with a deep sadness. However, this great tragedy has also shown us the might of the human spirit. Several great heroes arose when they were needed. They charged in to the enemy ranks, fearless despite the odds against them. They pressed on to save the lives of their fellow man. This includes our brave fighting men and women of Taihua who are all worthy of our respect and admiration. Unfortunately, our recent reports reveal that seventy percent of the soldiers garrisoned on Taihua have been lost. Seventy percent of our righteous protectors fallen, having given their lives for our brothers and sisters of the Eastern Alliance, and in defense of our sovereign territory."

"Other than those brave soldiers, there were more heroes who chose to remain behind and fight against the invaders, who brought great power to bear against our enemies. In light of this information, our station is launching an effort to uncover the identity of these courageous individuals. As we've seen, not all of these great saviors managed to escape Taihua with their lives, but it is our duty to find the ones that did and thank them for their service. At the very least, they should be showered with flowers and applause. I'm sure those that were saved by their actions would like to personally give their thanks. To our heroes, your actions bring you glory that rings through all of the three alliances!" 2

Her voice rose in power and emotion as she spoke, with the images of the mechas and soldiers flashing continuously on the large screen behind her.

"As we near the end of this broadcast, I'd like to say – I'm still single. If any of you valiant young men are hearing this, I'd like to take you out for a drink." As she spoke, she rose to her feet to point directly at the streak of blue light that soared passed the screen behind her!

1. Is this for real? Ridiculous…

2. As a foreigner, this news report might sound a little strange. Very flowery and dramatic. I'd thought about 'drying out' the language a little to make it seem more in line with what we might expect a news report about a national tragedy to be, but in reality channels in china like CCTV and Xinhua – mouthpieces of the government – deliver reports just like this.

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Chapter 154: Ninth Level Seventh Rank!

Lan Jue sat cross-legged upon the bed, his chest rising and falling with each breath as he meditated. He focused his power through him, following it as it filled every corner of his body. He watched carefully for signs of injury.

In truth this was his third check, and so far he was surprised to find not a hint of trouble. No wounds, no hidden dangers.

It was like he was reborn! Without any training or cultivation, he was back to peak condition with only a few hours' rest. What's more, he felt like he may have even gotten stronger.

A breakthrough? Once an Adept got to ninth level, each subsequent improvement came with a considerable leap in power.

He felt as though even his Discipline was gentler, that was the greatest indication. Thunderbolt and lightning were well known as among the more destructive and explosive Disciplines. However, as the Adept's power grew he was able to distill the Discipline in to liquid form. This would stabilize it without sacrificing any power. This was, in truth, the goal he'd been chasing for ages.

Making the jump from ninth level six rank to ninth level seventh rank was like traversing a glorious threshold. It was important not just due to the effect it had on an Adept on his road to perfection. It was also the bane of many a Talent with dreams of being a Paragon.

Lan Jue was indeed happy with the discovery, but he had his doubts about the whole thing.

The phylactery stone embedded in his hand was an s-rank gem, and for good reason. Still it's benefits did not lie in improving or enhancing an Adept's powers. So if not the gem, then the Doctor. The young man brought him back from the brink of death, and improved his overall ability. But that would be incredible, miraculous in fact. Then could this mean that the jump in power came from him alone? No – no, it couldn't be that simple. No matter how he tried there were no more answers forthcoming from either the Wine Master or the Doctor.

It also wasn't wise or proper to interrogate them further. The Wine Master alone must have expended an obscene number of power gems to come to his rescue. That was the only way he'd able to stride from one planet to another like he claimed. Hell, the only time he'd ever heard of anything like that being performed before was in old stories!

Regardless of the how, the fact of the matter was he was stronger. And now, that meant things could stabilize. Even better, his physical condition was better than ever. Before, where his meridians glowed with only a dull gold light, now they shone brilliantly. This was a change Lan Jue only expected at around ninth level ninth rank. His bones and organs weren't spared the metamorphosis either. He felt like he'd not only survived, but came out like a jackpot winner.

Three days later.

Knock knock knock! The gentle sounds of someone rapping on the door filled the room.

The golden aura around Lan Jue slowly dissipated. He stood and pulled open the door.

Xiuxiu's pretty face greeted him. When she saw him in his pajamas, her face adopted a sense of concern. "Boss, are you alright?"

He answered with a smile. "Take it easy, I'm fine. In fact, I'm better than fine."

The uncertainty melted from her face, replaced with a sweet smile. "That's good. The Wine Master asked that I invite you to visit him."

Lan Jue nodded. "Alright, I'll go meet him."

"And we got your communicator repaired," she continued, handing it to him.

Lan Jue snapped it to his wrist and beamed her a smile. "Xiuxiu, ever so thoughtful."

His eyes glanced down to the screen, where he discovered no small number of messages; Chu Cheng, Hua Li, Wu Junyi, Jin Yan and others.

Chu Cheng's message was something about helping Hua Li prepare for his concert – though God only knew what that waste of space was doing to 'help.' Wu Junyi was asking over his health, imploring he take a few more days of rest and reorganization before returning to class.

Hua Li's message contained specific information concerning the concert. Three days from now, or so the message assured.

"Let me go change," Lan Jue said after reading through them.

"Sure. Uh, and boss… maybe by the way take a shower," Xiuxiu replied softly.

"Eh…? Do I have a scent?"

Did he ever. In fact, he hadn't washed himself since getting back from Taihua. He'd been focusing primarily on getting better.

Half an hour later.

The familiar chime of Zeus' Jewelry Store rang as a refreshed and put-together Lan Jue exited the store. He wore a blue shirt and black pants, and walked down the avenue with an agile gait. The fresh air was revitalizing. He stopped long enough to take a deep, long breath so that it filled every part of him before making his way towards the Gothic Winery.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside. He was greeted by Eva, who smiled welcomingly. "Ah, we've been expecting you, Jewelry Master. The Wine Master is in the tasting room waiting for you."

"Alright." He nodded, then made his way inside.

Today, the Wine Master was clad in a brown formal suit. He sat quietly at the head of the tasting room's giant table. A bottle of red wine waited in front of him.

Lan Jue walked to his side without any pomp or ceremony, pulled out a chair, and took a seat. He glowered disappointedly at his host. "Just one bottle?"

The old man shot him a disapproving glance. "And when do you plan on delivering that Conti you owe me?"

Lan Jue blinked. "Owe you? You were being serious?"

"What do you think," came the Paragon's answer.

The younger man chortled sheepishly, revealing a row of pearly white teeth. "I guess I owe so much it's just not registering."

The Wine Master reacted with a smile of his own. "No rush. In fact, you may just have an opportunity to pay it all back. We'll talk about it."

"What is it?"

"Your punishment, of course," the Wine Master replied.

"Punishment?" Lan Jue was genuinely taken by surprise. "Why am I being punished?"

The Wine Master glowered through his explanation. "Because your antics nearly cost Skyfire Avenue dearly. Do you think something like that warrants punishment? The cost in powergems that were consumed for me to teleport to another planet you can owe me, we'll call it part of the job, but your carelessness almost led to the death of a Skyfire Councilman. That must be answered for."

Lan Jue smirked. "Somehow I feel like I'm going to end up owing you something else."

"You think this is something disregarded to easily," the Wine Master asked. "Ever since you decided to become a Councilman, you became part of a team. Sometimes being a team member means receiving, but it also means you're available to back the others up when they need it. Otherwise what's the point is Skyfire Avenue? Our organization is loosely established, yes, but we help and protect every Adept under our collective wing. As for this recent matter, if you'd have informed us right away of the situation on Skyfire I'd have made my way there at once. You wouldn't have needed to take that decoction, and all of this trouble could have been avoided 1. And even more lives could have been saved."

Lan Jue listened in silence, his face becoming serious as the gravity of his decision became clear.

The Wine Master went on. "In the future I hope you remember your role. If there is a problem you can't handle on your own, the first thing you should do is call on the Avenue. We'll do all we can to help."

Lan Jue's serious countenance broke in to an appreciative grin. "I hadn't expected someone to almost literally move space and time to deal with this. I honestly didn't expect the Avenue to react any faster than the East's reinforcements. I thought the only option was for me to face it on my own. Still you're right, and in the future I'll certainly let the Avenue know first thing, if there's a problem I can't handle. I'll accept any punishment you deem necessary."

The Wine Master nodded approvingly. "In this aspect at least, you're a reputable man. Too impulsive on occasion, but your ability to learn and self-direction are a step above our average member. It's important that we recognize our own failings, and work to correct them. Once our little discussion is finished, we'll begin by revoking your status as a Councilman. You'll be put on suspension. In addition, when the Avenue comes calling for assistance you must offer it unconditionally. If and when that happens, you'll regain your Council seat upon completion of the task."

"Very well," Lan Jue agreed without hesitation. "By the way, Wine Master, how is the Doctor doing? Unfortunately, I don't have any s-ranked gems on hand to offer in payment. It may be a little while."

"Not something you need to worry about just now," the Wine Master replied. "The Avenue will see to compensating him for his time and effort. It was necessary for what we needed, and so the Avenue will assume responsibility for the cost in your place. If you still feel the need to repay him, you can when you have a power gem of suitable quality to offer. Or perhaps you can give him a cut of your store's revenue."

Lan Jue thought about it for a moment. "Allow me to handle this myself. The store is being taken care of largely by Mika and the other girls, and they hold sixty percent of the stock. I can't simply make a decision without their input. Nor can I expect them to pay my debts."

"Up to you," the Wine Master answered. "There are still a few more things we need to discuss which concern you. For instance, the imminent arrival of the Dark Tower and Pontiff's Castle's representatives. Our most recent reports suggest the Pontiff and Satan might come themselves."

"What?" Lan Jue's eyes widened at the information, slivers of lightning arcing behind his lids. He hadn't forgotten the sins of the Pontiff and his people. After all, things on Taihua would have been very different if he hadn't had been injured in his battle with Michael.

Now they were coming to his home turf. It was time they had a serious discussion.

The Wine Master continued. "The Keeper went himself to call on the Pontiff about what happened. Used it to coerce the Castle's Paragon. The Pontiff came to us afterwards about diffusing the conflict. Is this something you can do?"

Lan Jue's brows furrowed at the thought, clearly pondering the matter. If it wasn't for the crisis he'd encountered on Taihua, he'd absolutely refuse outright. Lan Jue wasn't one to hold a grudge, but this was different. They had knowingly laid a trap for one of his family, planned to kill her. If he didn't seek revenge for something like that, he couldn't call himself Zeus.

But after everything that happened – after the Doctor and Wine Master spent so much to save him – his thinking changed. Skyfire Avenue's needs were more important to him now. He had to think of things from a different point of view, now. What would benefit the Avenue most?

What's more, with the events of Taihua behind him it was time to look at all things differently. At the end of the day, the Adepts of the Castle and Tower were all people. There were differences that needed handling, certainly, but in the face of this danger to all of humanity it was a small thing.

"I am willing to do this for the Avenue, and defer to the Council's decision." Lan Jue nodded firmly, fixing the Wine Master with his gaze.

1. He has a damn point, doesn't he!

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